GOLD Coast businesses are being called enter the 2009 Telstra Business Awards.
The awards have applauded the achievements of small and medium enterprise since 1992. According to Telstra Gold Coast area general manager Samantha Kennedy, this year’s awards are an opportunity for SMEs to gain recognition.
“We all know that small businesses are the lifeblood of our area – whether they be the mums and dads running small motels, or the tourism operators bringing visitors and the associated economic benefits to the Gold Coast,” says Kennedy.
“The Telstra Business Awards are a chance for local people to recognise those businesses which are so important to all of us.
“I encourage people to nominate the businesses they think are doing a great job and businesses to enter themselves in the awards.
“Marketing and promotion are both crucial to surviving the hard times and the Telstra Business Awards give Gold Coast small and medium companies the chance to really stand out.”
Kennedy also says while not everyone can be a winner, just entering can be beneficial to business growth.
“You don’t have to win to benefit. Entering the awards gives businesses the chance to take a good look at their operations and where they want to take it,” she says.
The awards are open to various categories depending on the size of the business.
The business owner micro-business award is targeted at businesses with five employees or fewer; the MYOB small business award for business with more than five employees but less than or equal to 20 employees; and the Panasonic Australia medium business award is for businesses with more than 20 employees but less than 200 employees.
All entrants will also be considered for the AMP innovation award which recognises businesses that have introduced innovation and the Sensis social responsibility award for demonstrated leadership and contribution by a business to the environment, people, education or community.
“We’d love to see Gold Coast businesses among the winners, so I’d encourage as many businesses to enter as possible,” says Kennedy.