Entries open for 2009 UK Enterprise Awards

Entries are now open for the 2009 UK Enterprise Awards - aimed at individuals and organisations who provide support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. The Awards will be presented on Thursday 16th April 2009.

In a year which has proved particularly challenging, the role of the advisers, coaches, mentors and others who encourage and support small businesses has never been more critical, according to SFEDI, the small business watchdog and standards setting body. It hosts the Awards on behalf of its Advisory Board of which most of the key small business associations and organisations in the UK are members.

The awards showcase the individuals, organisations, products and services which have done most to help start ups, the self-employed and small business owners during 2008. Categories include awards for professional advisers, such as accountants, through to volunteer business mentors.

There is also an award for the business owner or entrepreneur who has done most to support other small and home business owners.

Last year’s overall winner – the 2008 Champion Enterprise Supporter – was Terry Owens, founder of InBiz, an organisation which helps individuals and groups to develop enterprise skills. He received the award in recognition of his achievement in founding InBiz, which had so far helped more than 20,600 people move off benefit by setting up their own business.

Further details, including a nomination form, are available here.