Launch of Small Business Awards

4/5/94

The small business sector holds the key to employment growth in Western Australia, according to Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan.

Speaking at the launch of Western Australia's prestigious Small Business Awards in Perth this evening, Mr Cowan said surveys done on behalf of the Small Business Development Corporation indicated that the average number of workers employed by small businesses had been forecast to rise from 5.8 to 6.2 in the first six months of 1994.

"That forecast is borne out by this State's unemployment rate, which is by far the lowest in the country," Mr Cowan said.

"It is also significant that small business generally maintained a stable workforce in the second half of last year during a period when big business was reducing jobs."

Mr Cowan, who is Minister responsible for small business, said there were 104,400 small to medium enterprises throughout the State whose key management decisions were made by the owner or owners of the business.

"I encourage these people to enter the Telecom West Australian Small Business Awards," he said.

"The awards are designed to recognise the valuable contribution small business makes to the economy, the community and employment potential of WA.

"They also reward, in a tangible way, those firms which aim to increase their overall performance through improved management skills and quality management practices.

"I am delighted that Telecom is once again supporting small business through these awards.  It is also appropriate that the SBDC is involved as it fits very well with their role of encouraging the development of small to medium enterprises."

There are four major categories in the Telecom WA Small Business Awards, each valued at $10,500, with prizes being provided by the sponsors.

They are:

·       Manufacturing (fewer than 100 employees) - research and development grant and other prizes, presented by the Commonwealth Bank.

·       Small Business (fewer than 30 employees) - telecommunications equipment and other prizes, presented by Ericsson.

·       Small business (fewer than six employees) - domestic travel package and other prizes, presented by Qantas.

·       Quality management/best practice - computer package and other prizes, presented by Apple Computers.

Telecom will also provide a business and training package valued at $10,000 for the category winner selected as the Western Australian Small Business of the Year.

Each category winner will also receive a professional business services package from Arthur Andersen.

Telecom's western region general manager, Mr Trevor Halliday, said the awards would be presented at a regional, State and national level.

"State finalists will be selected from the 12 WA regions and the winners will be announced at a special presentation during Small Business Week on October 14," Mr Cowan said.

"The State winners will then represent WA at the national finals to be held in Brisbane on October 31."

Mr Halliday said that as part of Telecom's support of the awards, two representatives from each category winner would receive air tickets and accommodation to represent the State at the national presentation.

"Telecom is proud to be the major national sponsor of these awards as we are well aware that a healthy small business community is an essential part of the future economic well-being of Australia," he added.

Entry forms are available from the SBDC, Telecom and co-ordinators in each region, or inquiries can be directed via the free-call hotline on 1800 806 925.

Media contacts:  Peter Jackson 222 9595 or Bruno DelFante (SBDC) 220 0230