City’s business awards off to flying start

28 June 2011

Forward thinking small businesses are entering the City of Sydney's Business Awards in record numbers.

In the first two weeks after the launch of the 2011 competition, we've received twice as many nominations and votes as 2010.

More than 450 businesses have been nominated across 22 categories, and more than 14,700 votes have been cast. All voters go into the draw to win a $1500 cash prize.

The awards celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership in Sydney's small to medium business sector. Winning businesses will share in $60,000 worth of prizes and have the opportunity to add their name to the growing list of Sydney Business Awards success stories.

These range from 2009 Best Fair Trade Business, Republica Coffee, which now provides fair trade products for Jetstar's domestic and international flights, to 2008 Business of the Year, global IT giant Atlassian, which has more than 25,000 clients across the globe, including IKEA, Nokia and Nike.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said the City's Business Awards support a vital sector of the community - 18,000 small to medium businesses that contribute more than $40 million to the economy every year.

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, playing a crucial role in enlivening communities, driving growth and providing jobs for hundreds of thousands of people," the Lord Mayor said.

"The Awards are a fantastic opportunity for Sydney's small businesses to increase their brand exposure, expand their customer network and take their business ideas to the next level.

"It's fantastic that Sydneysiders are showing such great support for our renowned awards.

"I encourage emerging businesses to follow the lead of past award winners and get involved in this year's Sydney Business Awards - who knows where the competition might take you?"

This year marks the introduction of three exciting new award categories:

• Online Business, which celebrates organisations where all marketing and sales is done via the Internet, including blogs, email and social networking;
• ANZ Fast Starter Award, which recognises fast-growing businesses with an annual turnover of more than $5 million; and
• Microsoft IT Innovation Award, which recognises innovative use of Microsoft technology in a small to medium business.

To be eligible in the Awards, businesses must be located within the City of Sydney LGA, employ fewer than 200 full-time employees, be independently owned and have been in operation for at least six months.

Nominations and voting close on 22 July. Vote at www.sydneybusinessawards.com.au or via SMS - all votes go into the draw to win a $1500 cash prize!

The Business Award winners will be announced at the City of Sydney Business Awards Gala Dinner on 13 September 2011.

CoS Media Contact: Keeley Irvin (02) 9265 9106 or kirvin@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

2011 City of Sydney Business Awards categories

Retail Fashion

Retail Beauty

Household and General Retail Furniture

Food and Beverage Retail

Specialty Retail and Wholesale

Restaurants

Small Bars

Cafes (casual dining)

Takeaway Food and Catering Services

Pubs, Hotels, Nightclubs and Venues

Accommodation

Tourism

Professional, Business and Financial Services

Marketing and Communications

Information and Communication Technology

Online Business

Education and Training

Cultural and Creative Services

Community and Social Services

Bicycle Business

Healthcare and Fitness

Environmental Business

ANZ Fast Starter Award

Microsoft IT Innovation Award

Finalists of all categories are also eligible to win the Lord Mayor's Sustainability Award presented by EnergyAustralia, Small Business of the Year and Business of the Year.