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Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell, is encouraging small to medium size businesses in the Shepparton District to take part in the 2012 Telstra Business Awards.

Telstra has run these Awards which recognise excellence in small and medium business for 20 years and they offer a combined prize pool of more than $500,000 in cash and prizes.

Mrs Powell said 2012 is another milestone year for the Telstra Business Awards as they now include the new "HTC Start-Up Award" for small to medium businesses which have been operating between one and three years.

“This new Award celebrates people who demonstrate dedication, enthusiasm and the knowledge required to turn an idea into a successful commercial reality,” Mrs Powell said.

"Running a small business can be a lonely job with owners working long hours, often on their own, and the Telstra Business Awards are a great opportunity for small and medium businesses to increase their profile.

“Importantly, each entrant receives a free individual Business Health Check. This offers businesses the chance to get a better picture of where they stand and how well placed they are to take advantage of opportunities to grow and expand.

“They receive advice in key areas including customer and staff management, product development, social responsibility, financial management and marketing,” Mrs Powell said.

For the 2012 Telstra Business Awards, the categories are:
· HTC Start Up Award – For businesses that have been operating for between one and three years and have up to 200 employees
· MYOB Small Business Award – For businesses with more than five employees, but less than or equal to 20 employees
· News Ltd Micro-Business Award – For businesses with five or less employees
· Commonwealth Bank Medium Business Award – For businesses with more than 20 employees and up to 200 employees
· Telstra Regional Award – For businesses in each state and territory located outside the metropolitan areas of the capital cities
Entries close at 5pm on Monday 2 April 2012.
Nomination forms are available from Mrs Powell’s Office 5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton.

For further information call 1800 262 323 or visit telstrabusinessawards.com