The Excellence in Local Community Connection category honours businesses that demonstrate a deep commitment to strengthening the Mornington Peninsula community—through partnerships, support for local causes, and initiatives that foster connection and growth.

SMART Business Solutions has been recognised for its extensive and sustained contributions to the community, including:

• Over $96,000 raised in 2024 alone for local not-for-profits and grassroots organisations such as Clothes4U, Women’s Spirit Project, Mental Health Safety Net, and Peninsula Transport Assist.
  
• Founding and hosting the B.I.T.E. Conference 2025, a not-for-profit business conference attracting hundreds of attendees, designed to deliver big-city innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship insights to small businesses right here on the Peninsula.
  
• Ongoing education and empowerment of the small business sector through free and low-cost Lunch & Learn workshops, Xero training videos, and community-accessible webinars—designed to share expertise without expecting anything in return.
  
• Local leadership and advocacy through the Committee for Mornington Peninsula, where Founding Director Shannon Smit serves as President, working to strengthen the region’s liveability, infrastructure, and business opportunities.