The City of Sydney is again looking for Sydney’s best small to medium sized businesses as it launches the sixth annual City of Sydney Business Awards.

Businesses in all industries, including hospitality, can enter into any of the 24 categories with prizes totalling $25,000 for the lucky winners.

Last year’s winners in the seven hospitality sections included Dare Delicious & Responsible Eating, Sassy Treats, Whitehorse Hotel, Almond Bat, Crema 55, Vulcan Hotel and Base Sydney.

Winners in all categories also go into the running for Business of the Year Awards.

Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, said that small and medium businesses were the vital heartbeat of economic activity in Sydney.

"Small and medium sized business in the City of Sydney local government area accounts for a staggering 12.5 per cent of state GDP and nearly five per cent of Australian national GDP. "

"We have more than 20,000 small and medium businesses operating in the local government area and the City is committed to supporting them on their road to becoming successful and sustainable enterprises," said Moore.

A new award category for 2009 reinforces the City's commitment to Fair Trade principles. The Fair Trade Award is for businesses that demonstrate commitment to the fair trade principles of tackling poverty through trade evidenced through relationships with suppliers, promotion and marketing of fair trade ideals and business practice ethics.

Nominations and voting will open tomorrow (July 3). Votes can be made on-line or via SMS and the top five vote-getters in each category will qualify as finalists (August 24). Winners will then be announced at the City of Sydney Business Awards Gala Dinner on October 20.

Nominations and voting take place at www.sydneybusinessawards.com.au