25eight wins 2025 Economic Development Australia Award for Excellence
25eight CEO, Samantha Hurley, with 25eight’s Economic Development Australia Award for Excellence in Consulting 2025. Sam stands in front of a white background with the red EDA logo. She is wearing a blue dress and hold the transparent glass EDA award.
We’re thrilled to announce that 25eight has won the 2025 Economic Development Australia (EDA) Award for Excellence for our Next-Level Growth Program (NLGP) — recognised as a high-impact, accessible and cost-effective way to uplift business capability and strengthen local economies.
After being named a finalist last year with Wyndham City Council, this national win is a proud milestone that celebrates our team, our partners, and the thousands of business leaders who’ve trusted us to help them grow.
Why the Next-Level Growth Program Stands Out
The NLGP was designed to solve a persistent challenge in small business development: how to build real, measurable skills and confidence among time-poor SME leaders who are balancing every part of their business in a cost effective manner.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all workshop, the program combines personalised education, one-on-one business coaching, and mentoring from industry experts — a model we’ve proven delivers transformational results.
The 25eight model ensures the coaching and mentoring sessions are maximised with the business leaders doing their ‘homework’ prior to the session. This has the session focus on refinement and action, accelerating progress.
We’re delivered a number of NLGP in partnership with Councils in 2025, however, the highlights from the included program for the award with the City of Whittlesea cohort show just how powerful this approach is:
83% of active participants completed the full program, an exceptional rate for voluntary learning.
The program achieved an average 9.5/10 likelihood to recommend — a near-perfect endorsement from participants.
31% of businesses increased revenue or customers during the program (in 8 weeks), with many reporting their best-ever months.
Every participant reported increased confidence, leadership ability, and clarity on their business direction.
Beyond numbers, the program helped business owners move from reactive to strategic thinking — equipping them to make better decisions, strengthen systems, and lead with confidence.
Impact That Builds Local Economies
Each delivery of NLGP creates a ripple effect. Businesses grow stronger, hire more people, and reinvest locally. Graduates often go on to become mentors and facilitators themselves, building a sustainable ecosystem of local leadership and peer support.
For councils, the program delivers clear economic development outcomes — measurable skill uplift, revenue growth, and local job creation — all achieved through a scalable, accessible model that fits within existing budgets.
The hybrid delivery model using best practise andragogy and appreciation for learning diversities as well as the self-pace and bookable sessions increases accessibility for those not able to attend or benefit from traditional workshop style education. We want to make sure equity of access and no one is left behind.
Recognition That Reflects Real Impact
This award recognises not just the success of a single program, but a decade of work by 25eight to build capability across Australia’s small business community. It highlights the importance of human-centred, data-informed learning — education designed for how people really learn and work.
We’re deeply grateful to our partners, including the City of Whittlesea, for their trust and collaboration. Their leadership in supporting innovative, evidence-based programs continues to set the benchmark for local economic development.
What’s Next
In 2026, 25eight will expand this impact with increased accessibility for existing programs and through new initiatives, including the AI Strategy for Small Business program, helping business leaders and communities build both digital fluency and human capability for the future economy.
Because when small businesses thrive, communities thrive.
For Government and Industry Partners
If you’re looking to strengthen local business capability and create measurable community impact, 25eight can help you deliver award-winning programs that build skills, leadership, and local economic resilience.
👉 Contact us to explore partnership opportunities or learn how to bring the Next-Level Growth Program to your region.
For Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
If you’re ready to grow your business, sharpen your strategy, and build confidence as a leader, you can join the Next-Level Growth Program or register your interest in the upcoming AI Strategy for Small Business series.
👉 Register your interest here to be the first to know when new cohorts open.