Some of these small businesses are over 40 years old.
It’s been a tough couple of years for small businesses in Melbourne. With lockdowns cutting off foot traffic, it’s certainly been a struggle for many businesses in the city. In the next few weeks, 50 small businesses around Melbourne will receive the Lord Mayor’s Commendations at Melbourne Town Hall.
The Lord Mayor’s Commendations for small businesses
“It’s never been more important to honour small businesses and highlight how much they mean to our city,” the Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.
The Lord Mayor’s Commendations have celebrated small businesses since 2005. In that time, over 620 businesses have received a commendation. This program shines a spotlight on small business owners who have serviced the Melbourne community for over ten years.
“Melbourne’s small businesses have endured the toughest trading conditions in decades, and we want to recognise and support them as the city recovers,” said the Lord Mayor. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our city. These awards recognise and celebrate businesses that have stood the test of time. Anyone who has run a small-business knows it’s a tough role, so it’s important we congratulate and honour the commitment of some of our longest-serving proprietors.”
The Commended Businesses
You’ll see a lot of familiar names on the list of this year’s recipients. Receiving a Generational Commendation is Mind Games. Visit Swanston Street and you’ll find a wide selection of board games, puzzles, card games and miniatures. Established in 1977, Mind Games is Melbourne’s oldest games store.
You’ll also notice plenty of hospitality venues on the list. Iconic eateries such as Papa Gino’s Restaurant, Shakahari Vegetarian Restaurant, La Petite Crêperie and The Drunken Poet will receive a Commendation.
“Every business that has had to endure these lockdowns and restrictions deserves our most sincere thanks,” said Councillor Jason Chang. According to him, “Small businesses make up more than 80 per cent of all the businesses operating in our city, employing almost 80,000 people.”
For the full list of awarded businesses, click here.