9th Sept 2008

AUSTRALIAN HOME BASED BUSINESS AWARDS 2008 Finalists from around Australia were presented with awards at the Australian Home Based Business Awards ceremony held in August during the Australian Business and IT Expo.

Federal Minister for Small Business, Independent Contractors and the Service Economy, the Hon. Dr Craig Emerson, presented the Australian Home Based Business Awards Finalist’s Certificate to Jaime Humphrey of Accidents Happen! First Aid Services. A Langwarrin home based business.

The awards attracted a diverse representation of the home-based business sector- an industry on the rise with more than 67 per cent of small businesses based in the home. The best-performed businesses in the areas of merchandising, business services, trade services, hospitality / farming and personal services were selected.

Awards Organiser John Gannan said the judges were looking for businesses that showed innovation in each of the five award categories. He said the awards were a great opportunity for small businesses to gain recognition for their products.

"The awards are about recognition, which builds self confidence, self esteem and professionalism. An increase in recognition leads to an increase in business."

John believes that step one is winning the award and the next step is to promote the win to benefit the business.

"If you do nothing, nothing is likely to happen."

People are ditching the traditional workplace and opting to combine lifestyle and work to run their own businesses from home creating a dynamic and diverse network that is shaping the way people go to work.

From traditional trades of plumbers and carpenters to specialized Internet based marketing and giftware operations the diversity of home based business is immense.

Visit www.homebasedbusinessawards.com.au