SMART Business Solutions is proud to announce its recognition as the winner of Excellence in Local Community Connection (Medium–Large Business) and Excellence in Access and Inclusion at the 2025 Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards. These two awards represent the heart of who we are as a firm - a people-first, community-first business dedicated to creating meaningful impact far beyond financial advice and accounting.

A Celebration of Community Leadership

Winning Excellence in Local Community Connection acknowledges our long-term commitment to strengthening the Peninsula through fundraising, pro-bono support, education, advocacy, and deep local partnerships.
Over the past 17+ years, SMART has proudly contributed more than $340,000 to local charities, not-for-profit organisations, sporting clubs, and community programs - with more than $96,000 raised in the last 12 months alone.

Our flagship initiatives include:

• Major fundraising for Mental Health Safety Net, Women’s Spirit Project, Clothes4U, Fusion Mornington Peninsula, and Peninsula Transport Assist
  
• Annual charity Golf Day and community events with Count Community Foundation support
  
• Sponsorship and support of local sporting clubs, youth initiatives, and women’s empowerment programs
  
• Founding and hosting the B.I.T.E. Business Conference, a small business conference designed to bring innovation, knowledge-sharing, and connection to our local business community
  
• Active advocacy through the Committee for Mornington Peninsula, where our director Shannon Smit serves as President, championing long-term economic and social outcomes for the region.

This award recognises not just the volume of our contributions, but the depth of our connection - our belief that thriving small businesses are the backbone of a thriving community.

Leading by Example in Access & Inclusion

We are equally honoured to receive the award for Excellence in Access and Inclusion, acknowledging our consciously designed workplace culture, client experience, and community engagement practices.

At SMART, inclusion is not a program - it is a core value.

We have built a team environment where:

• Diversity of age, culture, background, career stage, and learning styles is embraced
  
• Flexible working, remote options, and family-first policies support real wellbeing
  
• Our purpose-built Mornington office was designed with accessibility, ergonomics, and wellbeing at the centre
  
• Continuous professional development empowers team members of all levels, including trainees, mature-age students, parents returning to work, and early-career professionals
  
• Accessible communication is prioritised - including visual Statements of Advice, client-friendly video summaries, captioned content, and simplified digital experiences
  
• All community programs are run with inclusive design - ensuring events, conferences, and workshops remain welcoming, accessible, and valuable to a diverse audience
  

This award acknowledges our belief that a business performs best when people feel they belong - and when we take proactive steps to remove barriers for both our team and our clients.

About SMART Business Solutions

SMART Business Solutions Group is the Mornington Peninsula’s most awarded financial services and advisory firm, offering integrated accounting, taxation, financial planning, business advisory, and mortgage lending services.
Founded in Mornington, we are deeply connected to the region we serve and committed to supporting its businesses, families, and future generations.