Southbank businesses in the running for Small Business Awards 

Two small businesses in Southbank have been named among the seven finalists in this year’s Lord Mayor’s Small Business Awards.

Mary Martin Bookshop, a much-loved store located at Southgate, is in the running for the Small Business of the Year Award; a recognition the shop’s owner Jaye Chin-Dusting said was exciting.

“We are over the moon!” she said.

“This is especially well received given the difficult COVID period and now the strained economic outlook. The City of Melbourne is a wonderful council and have always been very supportive and responsive of all we do.”

To have an indie bookshop represented – we are tickled pink and very proud.

The beloved independent bookstore, which also has stores in the CBD and South Melbourne, was established in 1945, and has since earnt its reputation for its exceptional collection and passionate staff.

It was named among three finalists for the award category, which included Crisp (CBD and Docklands), and RIPE Cheese (CBD).

Among the Small Business Innovation Award finalists to be announced is Southbank’s Other Matter, an experimental studio working with algae-based bioplastics. The team designs sustainable and biodegradable materials, objects, and experiences. 

Other finalists for the Innovation category include Petal Black (Docklands), KNOVUS (Carlton), and Gaia Projects Australia (Docklands). 

The awards acknowledge and celebrate Melbourne’s longstanding independent small businesses, and the people who run them.

Winners will be announced August with a $3000 cash prize for the Small Business and the Innovation categories. 

The ceremony will also recognise Melbourne businesses that have reached impressive milestones of 10-, 20-, and 40-plus years in operation. •