The South African Small Business Awards, now in its seventh year, once again drew thousands of entries. This year also saw the introduction of three special awards: National Exporter Award, National Travel & Tourism Award and the National Innovation Award.
• The 2015 National Small Business Champion was awarded to Ariston Global, owned by Reginald Pillay, a provider of accounting, tax, HR and advisory services that has grown over eight years to report a growth rate in excess of 250% this financial year. This phenomenal growth has created many new, professional long-term job opportunities for young entrants to the job market.
• The National Entrepreneur Champion and inaugural National Exporter Award was awarded to Shooshoos, an exclusive baby shoe brand owned by Gill Bowen. The company has grown exponentially to become the biggest exclusive baby shoe brand in SA and now exports to over 15 countries.
• Sonja Smith Funeral Group, owned by Sonja Smith, was awarded the National Woman in Business Champion. Smith's passion for being of service to people in times of grief has seen the group go from strength to strength. Her tireless advocacy in tackling legal issues within the industry also saw the company featured in Rapport and on Carte Blanche.
• Janine Van Zyl, owner of Cold Gold Artisan Ice Cream scooped the National Young Entrepreneur Champion Award. With the motto of 'perfection is all the little things done well with love', Cold Gold Artisan Ice Cream creates speciality 100% natural ice cream and sorbet in over 800 delicious flavours.
• National Exporter Award - Shooshoos - Gill Bowen
• National Innovation Award - Noble Water Solutions - Kevin PaxtonFor more information, go to www.smallbusinessawards.co.za.
