Small businesses from barbers to bike shops will be recognised for their contributions to the City of Melbourne, with applications now open for the Lord Mayor's Commendations program.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said there's never been a more important time to shine a light on the success and longevity of local businesses.
"Melbourne's small businesses have had their toughest year in decades, and we want to celebrate their resilience as the city recovers," the Lord Mayor said.
"Small businesses are the beating heart of our city. They keep our residents, workers and tourists well-fed, expertly styled, and immersed in culture.
"We're proud to support independent or family-owned businesses that shape the character of marvellous Melbourne. Whether you're a hairdresser, physio, accountant, shoe cobbler, dentist, dry cleaner or sell the freshest produce, I encourage all small businesses with a long-standing connection to our city to apply for a commendation."
The commendations program - which was not held last year due to COVID-19 - shines a spotlight on small business owners who have serviced the city for 10 or more years.
The Lord Mayor also said the commendations are one of many ways the City of Melbourne supports local businesses.
"We've backed local businesses throughout the pandemic and our city's reopening because we know they are crucial to a thriving, buzzing and creative Melbourne," the Lord Mayor said.
"We will continue to support local businesses because we know that although economic our recovery has started, the past 12 months were the most difficult trading conditions in living memory.
"Small businesses are critical to our economy, and together, create lots of job opportunities for Melburnians."
Benefits for recipients include publicity and marketing support through the City of Melbourne's channels, and networking opportunities with commendation notable business alumni that have gone through the program.
More than 620 small businesses have received commendations since the program began in 2005.
The Lord Mayor's Commendations are open to any business proprietor within the municipality that employs 20 people or less and has operated continuously for more than 10 years. There is also a commendation for businesses run by three or more generations of the one family.
Commendation categories include:
- Generational
- 50+ years
- 40+ years
- 25+ years
- 10+ years
The program is free to enter, with applications open until Tuesday 4 May at melbourne.vic.gov.au/commendations.
