Calling Cape Town's best small businesses

During this time, 30 finalists will be selected. Each will be interviewed on air, on either the breakfast or afternoon drive shows. The 30 finalists go through a panel of interviews with experts in various fields of business, including marketing, HR and finance, to see which businesses stand the best chance of surviving, thriving and growing.

The grand prize

The winner will be announced at the gala dinner on Monday 16 September. The grand prize includes an advertising campaign on 567 CapeTalk and a laptop loaded with accounting and payroll software from SAGE - all valued at over R100,000.

Last year's winner, Ian McLellan of The Little Fisherman, has been thrilled by the impact it has had on his business since he won. "It's tough out there for small businesses. The thing is to stay focused and to push through. Persevere and give 110%, every day. It's my passion that drives me and great things have come from being given this fantastic opportunity though the Small Business Awards," claims McLellan.

Supporting small businesses

The radio station's programme manager, Tessa van Staden adds, "As a media partner, we are committed to building the capacity of small businesses. A key indicator for business success is client focus and that's why we have chosen customer service as the main criteria for these awards."

Tamsin Van Rooyen, marketing manager for Sage Pastel, part of the Sage Group commented, "The company believes in supporting small businesses by creating the freedom for them to succeed. As such we believe the 567 Cape Talk Small Business Awards provides the perfect platform to recognise small businesses that are making an impact in the market."

To nominate a business, go to www.capetalk.co.za.