Small and medium businesses have contributed to the City’s
50 per cent growth in economic activity over the past decade and helped secure
employment for more than 210,000 workers.
“With more than 20,000 small and medium businesses operating
in the Local Government Area, the City of Sydney
is committed to supporting businesses on their road to becoming successful and
sustainable enterprises,” said Ms Moore.
Recent economic data shows strong growth has been matched by
strong demand from residents for local options when it comes to shopping.
In Redfern, 73 per cent of people surveyed at the end of
2007 said they shopped locally, with residents enjoying the convenience as well
as the friendliness of local shop keepers.
“The City of Sydney
is working to improve our retail precincts, with upgrades including Glebe Point Road, Oxford
Street, Harris Street,
Stanley Street and Redfern Street to
help small and medium businesses thrive,” said Ms Moore.
“We want to celebrate the contribution that small and medium
businesses make to our city, not only commercially, but also socially and
culturally.”
Businesses will be able to nominate in one of the 23
categories. Winners in all categories also go into the running for Business of
the Year Award.
This year also sees the creation of the Lord Mayor’s
Sustainability Award, selected from all finalists, for the business that
demonstrates leadership, sustainable growth and sustainable business practices.
“We recognises that small and medium businesses want to
address their environmental responsibilities. The new Lord Mayor’s
Sustainability Award, our green leaders program as well as Sustainable Sydney
2030 are some of the ways we are working with businesses to improve their work
and our city,” said Ms Moore.
This year will see a focus on sustainability with the City
of Sydney Business Awards Gala Dinner
a carbon neutral event, reducing its impact wherever possible, using Green Power
accredited renewable energy from EnergyAustralia, as well as monitoring and
offsetting any emissions through audit partner Carbon Planet.
Public voting will open June 27 and winners will be
announced at the City of Sydney
Business Awards Gala Dinner on August 27.
Businesses wanting to nominate for awards should visit the
website www.sydneybusinessawards.com.au
The
Awards are produced with the support of Major Sponsor ANZ Business Banking,
EnergyAustralia, The Department of State and Regional Development Small
Business, Clearly Business Enterprise Centre, NetSuite, Carbon Planet and green
hosting provided by Anchor.