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                    Lord Mayor’s Small Business Awards FAQs

                    Man with wigs on busts
                    Find answers to common questions asked about the Lord Mayor’s Small Business Awards.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​If you have other questions please cont​act the Lord Mayor’s Small Business Awards team.

                    Frequently asked questions

                    What are the benefits of entering and how will my business be promoted?

                    The Lord Mayor’s Small Business Awards recognise your contribution to the rich fabric of our city. By entering you will receive acknowledgeme​nt of the dedication, hard work and business acumen that is required for a business to continue for many years or across generations. 

                    Small Business Achievement award​

                    Benefits for recipients include recognition by the City of Melbourne, a certificate signed by the Lord Mayor, inclusion in a photographic exhibition, an invitation to attend to the Lord Mayor's Small Business Awards Ceremon​y along with marketing and promotional opportunities.  Recipients will also be invited to take part in a half-day small business workshop presented by the City of Melbourne. 

                    Small Business of the Year and Sma​ll Business Innovation Award

                    Benefits for the winner will include a cash prize of $3000, an exclusive invitation to meet with the Lord M​ayor one-on-one, a certificate signed by the Lord Mayor, inclusion in a photographic exhibition as well as marketing and promotional opportunities. Recipients' biographies and photos will also be used by us for archival and posterity purposes.  Recipients will also be invited to take part in a half-day small business workshop presented by the City of Melbourne.

                    I’m not sure if my business is within the City of Melbourne boundaries. What are they?

                    ​View our interactive Melbourne map to see what areas and streets are within the City of Melbourne municipality.

                    Can you explain the different categories?

                    Small Business Achievement Award

                    40+ years Small Business Proprietor 
                    For current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent full-time) that have operated continuously within the City of Melbourne for at least 40 years. 

                    20+ years Small Business Proprietor 
                    For current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent full-time) that have operated continuously within the City of Melbourne for at least 20 years. 

                    10+ years Small Business Proprietor 

                    For current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent f​ull-time) that have operated continuously within the City of Melbourne for at least 10 years.

                    Small Business Innovation Award 

                    Open to City of Melbourne businesses that have successfully implemented an innovative idea, method or process. We’re looking for, but not limited to, small businesses​ who have professionally navigated and demonstrated excellence in the introduction, implementation and successful outcome of their innovative approach.

                    Small Business of the Year ​

                    Open to City of Melbourne organisations that have successfully implemented initiatives that demonstr​ate excellence across all areas of their small business.  We’re looking for but not limited to small businesses who have professionally navigated challenges their business environment has presented and shown leadership in sustainability, innovation, staff support and customer care practices. 

                    My business is 100 years old – why did I only receive a 10+ year Achievement Award?

                    ​The Lord Mayor’s Small Business Awards recognise the longevity of an individual proprietor within a business rather than the business itself. 

                    My business has more than 20 employees. Why can’t I enter?

                    The Lord Mayor’s Small Business Awards is a program celebrating the longevity of small businesses within the City of Melbourne and the benefit these businesses bring to our community.

                    The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines a small business as one that employs fewer than 20 people.

                    Is this a competition?

                    The Small Business of the Year and Small Business Innovation award applications will be judged by an independent panel whereby the winner will receive a prize of up to $3000.

                    What is my information used for?

                    ​The information provided in this application will only be used by the City of Melbourne for the purposes outlined above. The information will be protected and handled in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (VIC).

                    Can I enter in consecutive years?

                    Small Business Achievement Award​

                    Previous recipients who are eligible for the next milestone may apply. They must submit a new application form, giving any additional biographical material to their previous commendation.

                    Small Business of the Year and Small Business Innovation Award​

                    Previous entrants who did not receive an award are eligible to re-enter. Past winners may not enter for a period of two years after receiving an award in either category.

                    Contact us

                    Telephone number
                    03 9658 965803 9658 9658
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