Small businesses hit big time with Geelong Business Excellence Awards

Sisters Caley Lister and Megan James always thought their photo-booth hire was too small an operation for the Powercor Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
But the pair was thrilled to discover that Zuster Photo Booth and Events was nominated in one of the 21 categories of the 2017 awards.
“We were shocked but humbled,” Caley said.
“We always thought the awards were only for businesses much bigger than ours.
“It’s nice to know our customers believe our business is worthy of being potentially recognised as an award winner.”
Nominations for the 2017 Powercor Geelong Business Excellence Awards opened a month ago and close 30 March at gbea.com.au
Anyone, including shoppers, clients and suppliers, can nominate businesses, either confidentially or with their identification supplied.
The awards officially launch next Thursday, with a wrap-around feature in the following day’s Geelong Indy. Winners will be named at a gala presentation evening at Simonds Stadium on 17 August.
Kelli was surprised at the diversity of early nominees, with businesses of all sizes and sectors among the 120 nominated so far.
“It’s fantastic to see so many different-size organisations nominated,” she said.
“We’re excited that a lot of businesses are potential first-time entrants and are keen to expose their business to this process. With 21 award categories this year there are plenty of opportunities for these businesses to shine.”
The sisters were looking forward to the various rewards of participating in the awards.
“We’ve heard from others that you learn a lot about your own business by going through the entry process, which we know we will benefit from and ultimately it’s great exposure for our business,” Caley said.
The Indy is a sponsor of the 2017 Powercor Geelong Business Excellence Awards.