Do you have an innovative,
exciting and disruptive small business that deserves
recognition? If so, Smarta 100 is for you. Smarta 100, together
with O2, is an annual celebration of small businesses that are
often overlooked. Entering is simple and easy and the winner
walks away with a £10,000 prize.
To apply, just go to www.smarta.com/smarta100/enter and complete a
short application. When entering, keep the Smarta 100, together
with O2, motto in mind - KISS (keep it simple stupid). Businesses
have until midnight on 1 September to apply.
After all the entries are received, a panel of expert judges
will select the winners of six special awards, including Best use
of Technology, sponsored by Intuit; Best use of People, sponsored
by NatWest; Best use of Resources, sponsored by Simply Business;
Best use of Innovation, sponsored by Smarta Business Builder; Best
use of Marketing, sponsored by SevenHills; and Biggest Social
Impact, sponsored by Social Enterprise UK.
The public will then vote on the 2012 Smarta 100 business of the
year and winner of the £10,000 grand prize. All Smarta 100 winners
are invited to attend the awards bash at London's Proud2 on 6
November where all the prizes will be awarded.
Last year, Smarta 100, together with O2, received hundreds of
applications from all across the UK. A wide range of business
applied, from Wedge Welly, a company that sells women's wellies
with a 2.5 inch heel, to mypareceldelivery.com, a comparison
website for parcel delivery.
The businesses that really stood out to the judges were those
that thrived despite the gloomy economy and were changing the game
in their industry. The 2011 Smarta 100 overall winner was
Naked Wines, an online wine retailer whose customers invest in
independent winemakers.
This year sees the introduction of the Smarta 100 Academy,
together with O2, a series of four interactive speaker events that
will address key business issues to support applicants. The first
event "Plotting success - how to create the ultimate business plan"
will be held on 26 June. To register to attend and learn more about
Smarta 100 Academy, together with O2, visit www.smarta.com/smarta100/academy.
For more information visit www.smarta.com/smarta100.