In October 2025, WestOz Water Filters was proud to be named the winner of the Home Based Business Award at the 32nd Belmont & Western Australian Small Business Awards. The awards night, held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, brought together more than 420 guests to celebrate small business excellence across Western Australia.
The Home Based Business Award recognises businesses that achieve meaningful success while maintaining work-life balance and sustainable operations. For us, this recognition marks a moment of reflection, gratitude and quiet pride in how far our business has come.
The Award & What It Represents
The Home Based Business Award acknowledges businesses that have grown with intention, resilience and balance. It celebrates not only commercial success, but the ability to build something sustainable without losing sight of lifestyle, family and community values.
As a small, family-run business, this recognition carries particular weight for us. Operating as a home-based business requires adaptability, trust and a strong connection with customers. We’ve always placed these qualities at the core of how we operate WestOz Water Filters.
The award is proudly supported by APM, whose ongoing commitment to supporting small business owners through mentoring and development programs plays an important role in strengthening the WA small business community. Their support helps businesses not only start, but grow with confidence.
Reflecting on the Last Six Years
At the time of winning the award, we’d been in business for six years. Our journey began with zero customer base and an existing business debt, after purchasing a business model that relied heavily on city and country shows for sales and exposure.
Early on, on-site training opportunities were limited as the COVID-19 shutdowns of 2020 and 2021 cancelled shows along with the learning opportunities that came with them. Like many small businesses, we had to adapt quickly, build knowledge independently and find new ways to connect with our customers.
Compiling our award submission became a turning point in itself. It required stopping long enough to reflect on where we started, the challenges and the progress we’ve made along the way. That reflection brought a renewed sense of confidence, both in what we’ve built and the resilience and persistence that carries our business forward.
From Finalist to Award Winner
Being announced a finalist was a moment of genuine joy for our team. It brought a deep sense of satisfaction and validation and was recognition for the hard work, problem solving and long hours invested.
Attending the awards night alongside hundreds of other small business owners reinforced a strong sense of belonging within the WA small business community. It was a reminder that while each business journey is unique, many share similar challenges, determination, perseverance and pride in what they’ve built.
When we were announced as the winner, it marked a moment that will be remembered as both humbling and deeply rewarding.
Our Customers Are at the Heart of It All
At the centre of everything we do at WestOz are our customers. This award would not exist without their ongoing support, encouragement, questions and trust.
Customer feedback, reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations have shaped the business at every stage. They’ve helped to guide improvements, reinforce values and provide reassurance during uncertain times.
For us, the real achievement behind this award isn’t measured in growth or recognition alone, but it’s reflected in the relationships we’ve built with our customers across the state.
What the Award Has Meant Moving Forward
Since receiving the Home Based Business Award, customer enquiries have increased and the recognition has naturally become part of day-to-day business life. More importantly, it has brought a noticeable shift in confidence and perspective internally.
There is a renewed sense of reassurance in knowing our business is on the right path and a deeper appreciation for our journey to get here. The award has reinforced a posture of quiet confidence, gratitude and genuine enjoyment in the work being done.
Saying Thank You To Finish
WestOz Water Filters would like to extend sincere thanks to APM for sponsoring the Home Based Business Award and to the organisers of the Belmont & Western Australian Small Business Awards for celebrating the contribution of small businesses across the state.
Most importantly, thank you to the customers and wider community who continue to support us. Your trust, feedback and encouragement remain the foundation of everything we do and this recognition belongs to you as much as it does to us.
