Sydney's 'micro' businesses will, for the first time, be recognised as part of the Sydney City region business awards that are now open for nominations.
As part of the 2019 NSW Business Chamber's business awards program, the 'excellence in micro business' category is for businesses with less than five employees that have achieved significant growth in the last financial year.
The City of Sydney is the principal partner of the NSW Business Chamber Business Awards program, committing $80,000 a year for three years to support the program.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City was proud to support local businesses and provide new opportunities for micro enterprises to be recognised.
"These awards celebrate our local businesses' outstanding achievements, including the new category to promote micro outfits that are helping create a diverse and vibrant economy," the Lord Mayor said.
"Small to medium businesses are the powerhouse of our local economy, representing 85 per cent of all businesses in our area and contributing nearly $20 billion to the economy. It is wonderful to see these awards embracing even smaller-scale initiatives to help them grow and thrive.
"I encourage city businesses to get involved in this year's NSW Business Chamber Business Awards program as a fantastic chance to build networks and explore new business opportunities."
Local enterprise Winya Indigenous Furniture won the Excellence in Small Business and Excellence in Sustainability awards at last year's Sydney City region business awards. It was also crowned Business of the Year at the Sydney Town Hall gala event and went on to win the award for Excellence in Workplace Inclusion at the state awards.
Greg Welsh, who founded Winya in 2015 with Deb Barwick, the head of the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce NSW, said the award wins proved a springboard for expansion.
"As a small business, being recognised by winning these prestigious awards has helped broaden our reach, build our presence and create a positive industry buzz," Mr Welsh said.
"We went on to become the first Australian company to win a United Nations leadership award in the Sustainable Development goals and the first Indigenous business to exhibit at the 2019 Milan Furniture Fair.
"I would definitely encourage business of all sizes to think big, take the leap and get involved – whatever the outcome, it can only be a positive step for your business, your brand and your community."
NSW Business Chamber CEO, Stephen Cartwright, said the annual business awards recognise and showcase business excellence within NSW.
"The program highlights the dedication and hard work of many business owners and their employees who are providing a product or service and strengthening the economy," Mr Cartwright said.
"Adding the Excellence in Micro Business category has created a category for smaller businesses to enter without the intimidation of thinking they may not have a shot against businesses with up to 20 employees."
The City has supported business awards programs since 2004, and for the first time last year became the Principal Partner of the Sydney City Region of the statewide awards. The City is also the official sponsor for the statewide Excellence in Small Business category.
The annual awards recognise and celebrate businesses across the Sydney local government area, with the winners going on to compete in the NSW awards in November.
The 2019 awards will recognise outstanding business people and businesses in the following 13 categories:
· Outstanding Young Employee
· Outstanding Young Entrepreneur
· Outstanding Business Leader
· Excellence in Micro Business
· Excellence in Small Business
· Excellence in Business
· Excellence in Social Enterprise
· Start Up Superstar
· Excellence in Innovation
· Excellence in Sustainability
· Excellence in Export
· Outstanding Employer of Choice
· Local Chamber of Commerce
Entries open Monday 6 May and close Wednesday 17 June. The winners will be announced at a gala event at Sydney Town Hall on Wednesday 31 July.
See cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/business-awards for Sydney City region business award category details and how to enter.
