Apply for the Lord Mayor's Small business Awards

Small Business Achieveme​​​​nt Award

Honouring longstanding small businesses who have been operating in the City of Melbourne for milestones of 10+, 20+, 40+ years.

• 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.

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 Ceremony along with marketing and promotional opportunities.

Please note:

• More than one proprietor of a business may apply. However, a separate application form is required for each applicant.
• Previous recipients of the Lord Mayor Commendation awards who are eligible for the next category may apply. They must submit a new application form, giving any additional biographical material to their previous commendation.
• Eligible proprietors may only receive one achievement award, per category.

Small Business Innovation Award

This award honours a small business that has embraced innovation to improve outcomes for their business, clients and/or community. This includes innovation applied through the introduction or improvement of knowledge, technology, method, or process.

We’re looking for, but not limited to, small businesses​ that have professionally navigated and demonstrated excellence in the introduction, implementation and successful outcome of their innovative approach.

Each applicant will be required to demonstrate significant improvement in management or business practices or in their products or services. All businesses must be located in the City of Melbourne.

The Small Business Innovation Award applications will be judged by a panel of City of Melbourne and external judges.

The winner will be presented with a cash prize at the Lord Mayor’s Small Business Awards ceremony, certificate signed by the Lord Mayor, inclusion in a photographic exhibition as well as marketing and promotional opportunities.

Small Business of the Year ​

Open to all small businesses located within the City of Melbourne, this award honours one outstanding small business who have successfully implemented initiatives that demonstrate excellence across all areas of their small business. We’re looking for but not limited to small businesses who have professionally navigated challenges in their business environment, have presented and shown leadership in sustainability, innovation, staff support and customer care practices.

The Small Business of the Year applications will be judged by a panel of City of Melbourne and external judges.

The winner will be presented with a cash prize at the Lord Mayor’s Small Business Awards ceremony, certificate signed by the Lord Mayor, inclusion in a photographic exhibition as well as marketing and promotional opportunities.

Please note:

You may only apply for one merit-based category – Small Business of the Year or Small Business Innovation Award.

• ​Achievement Award: Applications are open to 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 10 years or more.
• Small Business of the Year: Applications are open to current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent full-time) within the City of Melbourne.
• Small Business Innovation Award: applications are open to current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent full-time) within the City of Melbourne.​

It is a condition of entry that proprietors consent to having their photo taken for the purpose of publicity of the Lord Mayor’s Small Business Awards including the photo exhibition.

To be eligible, nominees must have no outstanding fees, dues or fines with the City of Melbourne. The decision to grant a Small Business Award is at the City of Melbourne’s absolute discretion.

The qualifying period for applicants starts from the year the applicant became a financial partner or proprietor in the business. ​​