By ALANA MITCHELSON
PAKENHAM business M-Innovation has been selected as a Victorian finalist at this year’s prestigious Telstra Business Awards.
After being nominated by a customer, M-Innovation undertook a lengthy application process in competition with more than 30,000 businesses across the country and was chosen as one of six Victorian finalists for the New Business Award.
The overall state finalist is due to be announced at a ceremony on 19 July at the National Gallery of Victoria and will go into the running for the national award.
Director Simon Maselli said that being a first-time entrant, the equipment testing company’s nomination came as a pleasant surprise.
“We thought it would be a beneficial application process because it makes you take a step back and look at the businesses’ achievement.
“We had no expectation of being a finalist, so this is just a bonus,” he said.
“It’s almost surreal. We’ve just finished construction of our purpose-built factory and have purchased another company, so I think both of those factored in to receiving this kind of recognition.
“It gives us massive exposure. It’s the most highly regarded business award in Australia.”
Mr Maselli said the business would also receive media training in a workshop involving previous award finalists
“It should be interesting. This kind of training is so valuable,” he said.
“It’s also an opportunity to meet other businesses, not so much from a sales point of view but to simply hang out with other business people with the same work ethic and ambition as you.
“We’ve already got a high profile customer base – we service Etihad and the MCG among others – so it’s more a matter of exposure for us.”
Mr Maselli said he planned to expand M-innovation interstate in the next 12 to 24 months and hopes to have an international office in four to five years’ time.
The Telstra Business Awards (TBA) are designed to bring recognition to Australia’s best small and medium businesses across five categories – New Business, Micro Business, Small Business, Medium Business and Charity.
TBA ambassador Andy Ellis said this year’s finalists demonstrated the innovative, entrepreneurial spirit of Australian business.
“The Telstra Business Awards shine a light on brilliant businesses in every corner and in every sector of Australia,” Ms Ellis said.
“These finalists demonstrate that passion and determination coupled with strong business acumen can turn a dream into a profitable and sustainable business.”
