Launch of WA division of Telstra WA Small Business Awards

May 16, 1996

The Western Australian division of Australia's most prestigious award for small business has been launched by Deputy Premier and Small Business Minister Hendy Cowan.

According to Mr Cowan, there are some 100,000 small and medium-sized enterprises throughout the State eligible to enter the four categories of the Telstra Western Australian Small Business Awards conducted by the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) and Telstra.

"These awards are designed to recognise the importance of, and the valuable contribution made by, small business to the economy, community and the employment potential of WA," Mr Cowan said.

"They 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 the SBDC and Telstra, with the support of the State-wide network of Business Enterprise Centres, are working together in making the awards available for small business in WA.

"This fits very well with the SBDC's role of encouraging the development of small and medium businesses, focussing particularly on those with the potential for growth and the creation of permanent jobs."

The awards consist of four major categories:

+ Small Business (fewer than 10 employees) - domestic travel package presented by Qantas and other prizes valued at $12,000;

+ Small Business (fewer than 50 employees) - telecommunications equipment presented by Ericsson and other prizes valued at $12,000;

+ Manufacturing (fewer than 100 employees) - research grant presented by the Commonwealth Bank and other prizes valued at $12,000; and -

+ Quality Management/Best Practice - development grant presented by AusIndustry and other prizes valued at $12,000.

Mr Cowan said Telstra would also provide a training and equipment package valued at $8000 for the overall winner selected as the WA Small Business of the Year.

Each category winner would receive a professional business services package from Ernst and Young and publicity in Business Review Weekly as part of their prize.

Telstra WA general manager Tim Ungar said the awards would be presented at regional, State and national levels.

"State finalists will be selected from WA regions and the winners - together with the overall winner of the Telstra WA Small Business of the Year - will be announced at a special presentation in Perth during Small Business Week in October," Mr Cowan said.

"The Telstra Small Business Awards are the most prestigious open to business in Australia. The prizes, the profile and the credibility that State and national winners obtain are unprecedented and invaluable for their businesses."

Mr Ungar said that another major benefit of the awards was the value-added to small businesses.

"These awards are, at the very least, an opportunity for entrants to stand back and evaluate their business and develop future goals. This can boost staff morale and increase motivation," he said.

"Regardless of whether an entrant wins or not, they gain just by participating in the awards."

Entry forms are available from the SBDC, Telstra and co-ordinators in each region. Inquiries can also be directed to the Awards free-call hotline on 1800 806 925.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 222-9595 Bruno Delfante (SBDC) 220-0215