Telstra HomeAbout TelstraMedia CentreAnnouncements It's nominations time for Australia's most prestigious business awards

Australians are being urged to recognise successful small and medium businesses by nominating them now for the Telstra Australian Business Awards.

Entries will open on 11 February for Australia's most prestigious national awards program that celebrates the achievements of the small and medium business sector.

Will Irving, Telstra Business Group Managing Director and Telstra Australian Business Awards Ambassador, said nominating businesses early gives them time to prepare their entry and, in turn, the best chance to succeed.

"Over the past 21 years, these national awards have celebrated the best of Australia's small and medium businesses. One of the reasons why they are so respected is the rigour of the entry and judging processes, so the earlier businesses are nominated and start their entries the better," Mr Irving said.

Jason Wyatt, CEO of e-commerce business BikeExchange.com.au, winner of the 2012 Telstra Australian Business of the Year, also encouraged nominations and entries.

"Our advice is to enter but to give this process the time it justly deserves. Don't do it on the fly. Get your head around the questions, start thinking through your answers and make sure you send a cracking submission," Mr Wyatt said.

"Entering the program gives you a rare opportunity to consider the health of every aspect of your business. Then there's the chance to be exposed to the professionalism of our country's most esteemed business awards program, meet like-minded operators who might in turn present you with new opportunities, and even win an award that carries prestige and awareness with it."

Nominations can be made at www.telstrabusinessawards.com or by calling 1800AWARDS. Entries for the 2013 Awards can be submitted from 11 February until 4 April 2013.

The five Awards categories are for start-up, micro, small, medium and regional businesses.

Mr Irving said a benefit of entry is a free individual 70-page Business Health Check report, based on international benchmarking standards, which is available to all entrants.

"We offer all entrants the opportunity to evaluate their business performance against core business indicators which is an excellent tool for helping businesses grow their knowledge today in preparation for tomorrow."

For finalists and winners, the Awards bring accolades, public exposure, a share of $500,000 in cash and business products and the privilege of joining an exclusive national business alumni.

Media contact:
Jonathan Rose
Mobile: 0418 101 454
Email: media@team.telstra.com

Reference Number:  007/2013

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