The City of Sydney is looking for the best of the best in small and medium businesses as it launches the Sixth Annual 2009 City of Sydney Business Awards on 3 July.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said that small and medium businesses were the vital heartbeat of economic activity in Sydney.

"Small and medium sized business in the City of Sydney local government area accounts for a staggering 12.5% of State GDP and nearly 5% of Australian national GDP. "

"We have more than 20,000 small and medium businesses operating in the local government area and the City is committed to supporting them on their road to becoming successful and sustainable enterprises," said Ms Moore.

"These competitive awards ¡V with prizes totaling $25,000-acknowledge the success and contribution of the City's small and medium businesses. Importantly, the awards also acknowledge business leadership in sustainability, fair trade and social responsibility, and encourage good corporate citizenship and corporate responsibility."

"The awards give everyone in the local community a chance to say who deserves to be honoured. Local businesses play a key role in our local economies; they serve the community and help define the City's village character. We want to celebrate the contribution that small and medium businesses make to our city, not only commercially, but also socially and culturally."

Businesses and the public will be able to nominate in one of the 24 categories. Winners in all categories also go into the running for Business of the Year Award.

A new award category for 2009 dovetails with the City's commitment to Fair Trade principles. The Fair Trade Award is for businesses that demonstrate commitment to the fair trade principles of tackling poverty though trade evidenced through relationships with suppliers, promotion and marketing of fair trade ideals and business practice ethics.

This year again sees a special Lord Mayor's Sustainability Award presented by EnergyAustralia, selected from all finalists, for the business that demonstrates leadership, sustainable growth and sustainable business practices. The winner of this category will receive a $4000 voucher from EnergyAustralia to spend on energy efficient appliances for businesses.

"The City of Sydney's Sustainable Sydney 2030 Vision is all about thriving local communities where everybody can play a part in creating an economically viable and sustainable future. The Sustainability Award salutes environmental leadership in the business community", said Ms Moore.

There is also a Disability Inclusiveness Award acknowledging businesses showing a high level of planning and service accommodating any form of disability among staff or customers.

Nominations and voting will open July 3. Votes can be made on-line or via SMS and the top five vote-getters in each category will qualify as finalists (August 24). Winners will then be announced at the City of Sydney Business Awards Gala Dinner on October 20.

Nominations and voting take place at www.sydneybusinessawards.com.au

The Awards are produced with the support of ANZ, the Principal Sponsor, major sponsors EnergyAustralia and Defence Reserve Services, and sponsors, Hayes Knight, QuickBooks, Yellow Pages, TAFE Sydney Institute, Central Magazine and the Department of State and Regional Development.