By Matthew Pearce
Beck Smith, the founder of Beam in Business, aims to shine a spotlight on small businesses through the Beam Awards.
With a background of 15 years in network marketing, the Rockhampton mother of five said she launched Beam in Business to promote and market business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the industry.
The Beam Awards, offering more than $40,000 in prizes, is an expansion of last year’s Women to Watch Awards and Man to Watch Awards, encompassing 22 categories open to small and medium businesses across the nation.
Beck believes that smaller businesses often go unnoticed due to the dominant marketing and brand recognition of larger competitors like Woolworths and Kmart.
She emphasized the uniqueness, dedication, and personal touch that small businesses bring to their products and services, highlighting their significance in providing for families.
“The awards are an opportunity to raise awareness of these businesses by sharing their stories,” she said.
“My intention is to provide a platform for small businesses that they may not have otherwise, granting them the external validation that comes with winning an award.
“I know when I see a business with an award, I am more likely to choose it over others.”
Beck said the awards aimed to fostered ambition, boost confidence, and inspire future leaders while facilitating personal and business growth.
“This year, the Beam Awards has received over 300 nominations, surpassing the 167 nominations from the previous Women to Watch Awards,” she said.
The goal is to reach 1000 businesses, leading to an extension of the nomination and entry deadline until 3 June.
Beck encouraged individuals to nominate themselves, urging them to let go of “imposter syndrome” and acknowledge their own talents and successes rather than waiting for others to nominate them.
“A significant portion of this year’s entrants, comprising 75 per cent, have self-nominated,” she said.
“Businesses from various locations, including Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and even as far as Sydney and Melbourne, have participated.”
While the Women to Watch Awards saw more success than their male counterpart last year, Beck aims to engage men in the business community as well.
“Understanding that employees are the backbone of small businesses, the Beam Awards includes categories that recognise their contributions, as well as professionals such as accountants and lawyers.”
The Beam Awards Gala is scheduled to take place on 5 August at the Westin Brisbane. To nominate someone or submit an entry for the awards, visit www.beaminbusiness.com
The entry form for each category typically requires one to two hours to complete.