Sydney set to honour businesses
Nominations will soon open to reward businesses which are considered Sydney’s “economic lifeblood.” The City of Sydney Business Awards 2012 is mere months away, but there are only a few weeks to get prepared before entries can be made.
The event celebrates and rewards a range of Sydney entrepreneurs according to business category. Enterprises including cafes, bars, schools, beauty salons, shops and marketing companies have a chance.
Oobi and Kids walked away with the Business of the Year award last year and it has been booming ever since. Owner and designer Alexandra Riggs said: “The award has opened doors and given us an opportunity to expand our business and work with people in other fields who we wouldn’t have met otherwise.” The boutique childrenswear and accessories company launched in 2003 and has grown from a bedroom business to a market stall, to an award winning outlet.
The Highest Recognition Awards, along with Business of the Year and Small Business of the Year, include two specialist prizes: The Lord Mayor’s Sustainability Award, for a business that demonstrates sustainable business practices. The other is the ANZ Fast Starter Award, for a business which can show a $5 million or greater turnover, indicating swift growth over the last three years. Last year, the winner of this award received a scholarship valued at $5,000 to CEO School. The prize this year is still being determined.
At this stage, cash prizes are not associated with any other awards, however the accolade allows for business promotion, marketing and networking. The Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said: “The Business Awards provide a platform for local businesses to showcase their brand and services.
“These businesses are the economic lifeblood of our city.”
Nominations open on June 29 and it is free to register. Entries can be made by completing an online form either by a third party or by the business itself. Vote for your favourite online or via SMS between June 29 and August 10, and the eight businesses which receive most votes will be announced as finalists on August 20.
Ms Moore said: “This is the fourth year the City has staged and sponsored the Business Awards. Last year’s program attracted a huge number of applications and votes, and we are hoping that this year will be even more popular… this could be your chance to make your mark in the Sydney business community.”
The awards dinner and presentation will be held on October 10.
