Jess Gough, owner of cafe Jespresso, is a finalist in the cafe category after being anonymously nominated.

Ms Gough said she has no idea who nominated the business, but gave a heartfelt thanks to whoever did.

"It is really nice to know that. Especially if you're having a big day and working hard, it shows you're doing the right thing," she explained.

The Wellington local thinks what may set Jespresso apart from the other finalists is the successful growth the business has achieved in such a small time.

"Jespresso is not just here making coffee, we're giving back to the community as well," Ms Gough added.

Ms Gough is hopeful she can attend the presentation dinner on Saturday, March 21 at The Star in Sydney.

She added that the Australian Small Business Champion Awards are a great program that is helping to give small businesses a voice.

"Because it's hard, we're not the big ones that people stand up and look at, we're the little fish," Ms Gough said.

"Good on them for noticing that recognition (for small businesses) needed to happen."

Awards founder Steve Loe, said watching how hard his parents worked as small business people was his inspiration for starting the program in 1999.

"Starting the Australian Small Business Champions Awards is my way of honouring, not only my parents, but the hard work and sacrifices made by so many small business people," he said.

Mr Loe acknowledged the enormous contribution small businesses make to communities across the country.

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