Christian entrepreneurs, leaders and community figures gathered at the Parkroyal Darling Harbour in Sydney for the inaugural Australian Christian Business Awards (ACBA) – an event that combined recognition, reflection and connection within Australia’s growing faith-based business community.
A platform for Christian entrepreneurs
The awards night was founded by Fideliz Cruz, a Sydney-based Christian life and business coach and founder of Kingdom Women Entrepreneur (KWE) Academy. Cruz has spent more than a decade mentoring and empowering Christian women in business.
After three years of hosting the KWE Academy Awards, she collaborated with Linh Podetti, CEO of Outsourcing Angels, a company that connects Australian businesses with remote professionals from the Philippines. Together, they envisioned a broader platform that would celebrate both men and women of faith in business. The 2025 event, which sold out and even had a waitlist, marked the first time the awards were opened to all Christian entrepreneurs.
“This is about shining the light of God in the marketplace,” said Fideliz. “Every Christian entrepreneur has a calling and Australian Christian Business Awards exists to recognise and empower that calling.”
An evening of inspiration
The night featured messages, music and performances reflecting the theme of faith in action.
Hon. Maryka Groenewald MLC, member of the Australian Christians Party, flew from Perth to deliver a keynote address on Kingdom leadership. Hope 103.2, one of Australia’s leading Christian radio stations, showed its support through a team presence, with breakfast host Danielle Whippy serving as one of the guest judges.
Music and worship also played an important role during the night. Ryan Gilpin, CEO and founder of the Australian Christian Orchestra, led the worship segment with performances by Rumble Mutsiwa and Kingdom Frontliners – a Christian rap group led by a Filipino artist whose energetic performance drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The event drew well-known Christian business leaders including Wez Hone, Peter Low, Wendy Simpson, David Balestri, Adrian Tam and Ryan Gilpin, among others – all united in celebrating faith-driven success.
Recognising faith in action
Awards were presented in several categories, including Business Excellence, Innovation, Leadership, Social Impact and Community Engagement. Beyond the trophies, the evening highlighted stories of perseverance, vision and unshakable faith – showing how Christian entrepreneurs continue to influence communities while leading with integrity.
Message for the Filipino Christian community
For Filipino Christians in Australia and abroad, the AC Business Awards serves as a reminder that faith and business can thrive together. With many Filipino professionals and entrepreneurs making their mark in Australia’s business landscape, the event provides an avenue to connect, share inspiration and contribute to a growing network of faith-driven leaders.
Looking ahead
The next Australian Christian Business Awards is scheduled for 3 October 2026. Christian entrepreneurs are encouraged to participate, nominate or partner with the initiative.
More information can be found at www.australianchristianbusinessawards.com.
The Australian Christian Business Awards continues to recognise individuals and enterprises that demonstrate excellence, innovation and integrity while integrating faith-based principles in their professional journey – a celebration of how faith and purpose can find expression in the marketplace.
