2026 Small Business Finalists
The Ethnic Business Awards Foundation would like to congratulate all of the finalists of the 2026 Small Business Category.
Michu Pet Supplies - Qinghua Siluo – Braeside, VIC
After migrating from China to Australia as a student, Qinghua learned how innovation, resilience, and multicultural perspectives can create meaningful economic impact. Following the completion of his studies, he founded Michu in 2022 with a vision to build an innovative pet care brand capable of competing with established industry leaders. Inspired by real customer frustrations, Michu has evolved into one of Australia's fastest-growing pet care businesses, recognised for innovation and specialising in plant based sustainable pet care products. Qinghua is committed to animal welfare, supporting cat shelters through product donations and sponsoring GCCFV initiatives that promote responsible pet ownership and animal health. Proudly Australian, Michu continues to create local opportunities while showcasing Australian quality, innovation, and values on the global stage.
Skillfield – Mouaz Alnouri – Melbourne, VIC
Mouaz Alnouri is a Syrian-born telecommunications engineer, entrepreneur and CEO of Skillfield, whose journey reflects resilience, ambition and a profound commitment to contribution. After migrating to Australia in 2015 with his young family, Mouaz transformed the challenges of rebuilding his career into the catalyst for creating an Australian-owned technology business.
Founded in 2018 and entirely self-funded, Skillfield has grown from one consultant to 54 team members, specialising in cybersecurity, AI and data services for leading Australian organisations. Under Mouaz’s leadership, the business has earned national recognition for high growth, workplace culture and technology partnerships.
Beyond commercial success, Mouaz is committed to strengthening Australia’s digital resilience, mentoring emerging talent and creating opportunities for the next generation of technology professionals. His story is one of determination transformed into meaningful impact.
Global Golden Group – Ven Pham – South East , QLD
Ven migrated from Vietnam to Australia in 2011 as an international student, determined to create a better future through education and entrepreneurship. After completing a Bachelor of Biotechnology Engineering and a Master of Accounting, she overcame language, cultural, and financial challenges while supporting herself through multiple jobs. Driven by a passion for hospitality, she volunteered in commercial kitchens, dedicating countless hours to mastering the industry before opening her first Golden Lor restaurant in Brisbane with partner William in 2015.
Today, Ven leads the Global Golden Group, operating five venues and employing more than 70 local staff. Combining scientific precision with business expertise, she has built a reputation for Asian cuisine focused on quality and consistency. Ven also supports Australian farmers through direct sourcing and contributes to community and grassroots initiatives.
Solve Migration – Adam Khaze – Manly Vale, NSW
Adam Khaze is the founder of Solve Migration, a strategic migration law firm built on a deeply personal understanding of displacement, resilience and opportunity. Arriving in Australia as a child refugee from Iran in 1988, Adam transformed his lived experience into a career dedicated to helping individuals, families and businesses navigate Australia’s complex migration system.
Since establishing Solve Migration in 2009, he has evolved the business from a small, self-funded practice into an innovative, technology-enabled platform supporting migration lawyers and agents. The firm specialises in complex visa matters, appeals and employer-sponsored pathways, combining legal expertise with AI-driven systems and strategic case management.
A published author and advocate, Adam also contributes to broader conversations about migration, while supporting community organisations and providing pro bono assistance to those in need.
