It’s time to celebrate small businesses

Applications for the 2023 Lord Mayor’s Small Business Awards officially opened on March 29 and the council is seeking nominations for businesses that have helped shape the city.

Businesses of the municipality’s north-west are often reflected in the awards program, with North Melbourne’s boutique wallpaper art and signage business Grafico Group having taken out last year’s top prize.

West Melbourne’s Amiconi Restaurant was also recognised in 2022 for 40-plus years in business, and West Melbourne’s hardware store, Calmatronics, for 20-plus years.

Speaking about the recognition, and its importance, business partners of Amiconi Restaurant, Michael Cardamone, Joe Muso and Vince Alfonso described the award as “an honour”.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and the government should understand small businesses need support more than the large multinationals,” Mr Cardamone told North West City News last year.

The award program has run since August 2005, with more than 800 City of Melbourne small business proprietors recognised.

Given the struggle during the past couple of years, the council is looking forward to celebrating all milestones again this year.

From small businesses that have been around for 10-plus years, to businesses that are celebrating more than 20 or 40 years, all milestones are recognised, with one outstanding business awarded Small Business of the Year.

“Small businesses are the heroes of our city – they keep Melbourne humming, adding vibrancy, character and appeal to our iconic streets and precincts,” Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.

“From hidden gems to well-loved institutions, our Small Business Awards recognise the people and places that make Melbourne so magnetic.”

For 2023, the council has also introduced a new category called the Small Business Innovation Award to recognise a City of Melbourne business that is “always looking outside the box to demonstrate excellence through innovation”.

The winners of 2023’s Small Business and the Innovation categories will also receive a cash prize of $3000 and be announced at the annual Lord Mayor’s Small Business Ceremony.

Nominations for the awards can be made via melbourne.vic.gov.au/smallbusinessawards until April 28. •