Sydney, 2 July, 2013 – Gold Coast based business, ICON Software Solutions, has won the 2013 Visa Small Business Award for demonstrating an innovative approach to business challenges and making a difference to the community. Social enterprise mums@work has been awarded a special commendation for integrating its commercial success with making an impact on the community.
The Visa Small Business Awards aim to recognise and reward the efforts of small businesses, many of whom are finding it harder to do business than 12 months ago. New data from global business intelligence provider RFi’s Australian SME Banking Council survey of 500 businesses, conducted in March, revealed 27% of small businesses are more worried about cash flow than a year ago and the proportion of SMEs hoping to survive rather than expand rose to a sixteen month high.
Established in 2008, ICON Software Solutions designs and develops software solutions for government agencies, transforming the way they interact with the community. Using ICON’s software, the community is able to voice its opinion, lodge and track DA submissions, book a facility or set up alerts on topics of interest –an online interaction that local government departments have previously struggled to provide.
Social enterprise mums@work was set up by businesswoman Emma Walsh to address a shortage of support provided to new parents after taking time out of the workforce. mums@work helps any new parent plan their return, review their career options and achieve flexible work life balance.
The overall winner, ICON Software Solutions, was selected from a pool of four quarterly award winners who each won a $1,000 Visa Prepaid card. ICON Software Solutions has won a $10,000 Visa Prepaid card as Visa Small Business of the Year.
You can watch a video about the success of ICON Software Solutions and mums@work atwww.visagobiz.com.au,a website dedicated to help Australian small businesses to succeed.
“We understand that starting and growing a small business requires an enormous commitment and a round the clock focus on all aspects of business management. We’re pleased to recognise this year’s winners for the dedication they have shown,”said Vipin Kalra, Visa’s Country Manager, Australia.
Visa’s gobiz website brings together many of the resources and tools small businesses need to keep their business on track, and it rewards them and shares their stories through the Visa Small Business Awards.
“This initiative forms part of our ongoing commitment to helping Australian small businesses to take that next step,” added Mr Kalra.
Members of Visa gobiz are given access to exclusive offers including savings on business travel, hotel stays, and car rental, as well as the opportunity to take up the benefits of a Visa Business card including better cash flow management and more transparent ways to track spending.
Businesses looking for better ways to manage their time and money can now enjoy benefits and savings on essential business services and products in the new 2013 Visa Commercial Offers Program, available at www.visagobiz.com.au/offers. Cardholders can enjoy best-available hotel rates with perks such as access to private areas in hotels and resorts, complimentary Wi-Fi, special rental packages with Hertz including free day rentals.
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About Visa
Visa is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable electronic payments. We operate one of the world’s most advanced processing networks—VisaNet—that is capable of handling more than 24,000 transaction messages a second, with fraud protection for consumers and guaranteed payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa’s innovations, however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: pay now with debit, ahead of time with prepaid or later with credit products. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com. Corp
About RFi
About RFi
RFi is a global provider of business intelligence focusing exclusively on financial services. It specialises in strategic research, market intelligence, performance benchmarking and advisory services.
Covering 29 key global markets with regional offices in London, Singapore and Sydney, RFi consistently provides clients with tailored advice and independent intelligence relevant to their specific markets and business needs. For more information visit: www.rfintelligence.com.
Media contact:
Teneille Rennick
Visa
mums@work | 05.07.13
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