At the Vero Excellence in Business Support Awards, we were expecting a good night out, to support a fellow industry member and award contender (HP's Warwick Grey), and looking to be inspired.
But as Grey pointed out to the audience, business support can take many forms and that was reflected in the diversity of products and services the award winners provide. There's MYOB and Xero's software, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise's industry networks, business incubator Upstart's angel funding, AUT Business School's training, the list went on.
Aside from products, services, training, funding, and advice there's networking, relationship building and simply giving time.
But the awards, and indeed any measure that recognises small business support, aren't just a bonus for the organisations receiving them, they boost the industry as a whole by inspiring others to do more and do better.
Such organisations and initiatives need to be encouraged because of the contribution of New Zealand small businesses (as of course the vast majority of our firms are) to the economy at home and abroad.
As organisers of the awards and the accompanying small business expo acknowledge, it's tough enough to run a small business, let alone take time out for events like this.
But it's such measures that form closer ties between the businesses themselves and help them tap into the increasing range of resources available to help them.
This in turn helps small businesses get bigger and help New Zealand achieve on the world stage.
