Nominations are now open for the 2021 Rubik3 Canberra Women in Business Awards. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
The time has come for Canberra’s businesswomen to be seen, heard and celebrated.
Nominations are now open for the 2021 Rubik3 Canberra Women in Business Awards, which will shine a light on the outstanding community spirit, innovation and tenacity of women in business during the continuing global COVID-19 pandemic.
Awards president Sheena Ireland says while the Canberra community is currently in COVID-19 lockdown, there is a strong business community still working hard to support Canberrans.
“Many of these businesses are female-led and have shown strength and tenacity at a difficult time to keep their business alive for their staff, their community and their personal financial security,” she says.
Many business owners are pivoting to provide services and products virtually and via contactless delivery during the lockdown, while at the same time are working to support other businesses doing it tough.
Sheena says the tenacity to keep pushing ahead despite significant and repeated COVID-19 setbacks continues to inspire her.
“Canberra women in business continue to lead with heart and lift up others in our community in the face of adversity,” she says.
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Rubik3 is the naming rights sponsor of the awards, and the company’s COO, Nadia Pessarossi, says the awards recognise the achievements of women in Canberra’s business community and support them during a time when there is so much uncertainty.
“Women in business have really done it tough in recent times, managing shutdown periods, working from home, homeschooling, managing staff and having tough conversations with staff, but so many have done it with a smile and a willingness to help and support others,” she says.
“This year will continue to highlight the resilience of women in business, of being agile, innovative and staying strong in such uncertain times.
“But we acknowledge that for some it has forced the permanent closure of a business, which is heart-breaking.”
Nadia says many women, while running their business, have also had to juggle additional challenges such as homeschooling, running a family and working from home during COVID-19 lockdowns.
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“Most have had to change fast to keep their businesses running,” she says. “We have had to relearn year 4 maths, we are taking calls, Zooms, [Microsoft] Teams, we are now cooking lunch and dinner, and we are trying to keep our businesses alive,” she says.
“Women are out there running the family, kids, business, social life and are the main carers if a family member falls ill.
“Let’s acknowledge women’s achievements for what they really are: true warriors.”
Businesses and members of the community can now nominate for awards across six categories designed to recognise the outstanding achievements of women in business in our local region.
The 2021 Rubik3 Canberra Women in Business Awards categories are:
- Business Woman of the Year.
- Young Business Woman of the Year.
- Indigenous Business Woman of the Year.
- Small Business Woman of the Year.
- Innovation Business Woman of the Year.
- Social Impact Business Woman of the Year.
The 2021 Rubik3 Canberra Women in Business Awards nominations close at midnight on 17 September, 2021.
Original Article published by Katrina Condie on The RiotACT.
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