Specialist online breastfeeding shop, Breastmates, has been named New Zealand’s small business hero of the year in The David Awards 2009. Another baby-oriented business, Belly Beyond, was also highly commended for the Supreme Award.
Starting her business with just $50 and no knowledge of the internet, Breastmates owner, Frances McInnes, has built the business into a destination site for breastfeeding mothers, providing everything from breast pads to maternity lingerie, together with a good dollop of sound advice. Increasingly, she not only supplies New Zealand mothers and mothers-to-be, but customers from other parts of the world. The business also won the award for The Most Inspired Use of Marketing for its social media and traditional marketing strategy.
“The David Awards recognise the unsung heroes in home and small businesses throughout New Zealand, the ‘Davids’ whose tenacity, courage and ingenuity place them firmly at the forefront of entrepreneurship in this country,” organiser of the awards, Heather Douglas, said.
The judges of this year’s event were impressed with the diversity of the businesses and the quality of the entries, from single-person home-based businesses to some on the brink of bursting onto the global scene.
Most outstanding fledgling business A start-up business which is under two years young, smart, quirky, or just very professionally set up. Winner: Belly Beyond
Most outstanding transitional business A promising business which has moved beyond the start-up phase and is more than 18 months old, which has a proven track record and some or all of the plans/people/systems/processes in place to make a well-above-average future a reality. This Award seeks to recognise a business planning for and/or coping with the changes required to take a business through expansion and significant growth. Winner: Telephos
Most outstanding triumph over adversity A business which has succeeded in spite of challenges beyond the usual. Winner: New Millenium Essences
Most outstanding lifestyle business A business which epitomises the ability to integrate business and lifestyle, with the owner(s) to take advantage of its flexibility to fit income generation around spending time on family or leisure activities or other pursuits. Winner: Pakiri Beach Horse Riding
Most innovative business Not necessarily the same thing, this is a business which either demonstrates a new or clever way of going about things, or is quirky from the ground up while incorporating great business principles. Winner: Green Monkey Most inspired use of technology A business which leverages technology in many guises to enhance efficiency, mobility and keep overheads to a minimum. Winner: The Model Workshop
Most inspired use of marketing A business which punches above its weight in terms of getting the word out, achieving profile and attracting business. Joint winners: Belly Beyond, Breastmates
Most community-minded business A business which gives back to its community, e.g. local, regional or industry sector, in ways, shapes or forms which benefit the community significantly. Winner: NZ Art Guild
