Recognition for small businesses

Eligible local small businesses are invited to apply for this year’s Lord Mayor’s Commendations.

The annual awards, which started in 2005, recognise the commitment of long-term independent small and multi-generational businesses.

Business owners are eligible to apply for a bronze commendation after 10 or more years of operation in the municipality, a silver commendation after 25 or more years of operation, a gold commendation after 40 or more years and a platinum commendation after 50 or more years.

Families that have operated the same business in Melbourne for more than three generations are eligible for the Generational Family Business Commendation.

According to Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, small operators make up 80 per cent of all businesses in the City of Melbourne.

Applications are open until Friday, May 20 and the ceremony will be held on September 7.

For information visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-melbourne/celebrating-melbourne/lord-mayors-commendations or call 9658 9658.