The Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business, Rebecca White, today congratulated all award winners and finalists of the 2012 Telstra Tasmanian Business Women of the Year Award for their achievements, determination and success. 

Ms White said the 2012 Telstra Tasmanian Business Women of the Year Awards recognises and rewards the state's most dedicated, hardworking and committed women in business.

"Through the many government programs and services offered to the community and small business owners, the State Government aims to inspire women in business," Ms White said.

"I congratulate Telstra for again supporting these awards as it's important we recognise and celebrate our leading business women and give the community a chance to connect with them.

"Tasmania's small businesses are critical to achieving economic growth and creating new jobs and are frequently the drivers of new business models.

"The small business sector is the engine room of Tasmania's economy and of the 38 000 businesses in Tasmania, small businesses make up over 96 per cent and employ around 46 per cent of the workforce.

"Around one third of our small business operators are women with this figure growing, and the State Government is committed to supporting our small businesses.

"Small businesses also play an important role in binding communities, improving social inclusion and skills in regional Tasmania.

"Through the Government's Small Business Strategy, we have identified ways we can offer practical advice and assistance to business operators, and help them overcome the challenges they're facing," she said.

"One of the Government's programs 'Business Ready' delivers support via workshops, coaching or online information across a number of different topics where business operators would like assistance to improve their operations. These include:

• Reducing energy consumption and costs
• Successfully marketing products and services
• Planning for the future, including succession planning; and
• Establishing a digital presence and making the most of online markets.

"One of the interesting features of successful business women is that they take opportunities to improve their own skills and participate in networks to share and grow.

Award winners will become part of an exclusive national business alumni and the national awards will be held at a Gala Dinner in Sydney on Wednesday 21 November.

The finalists for the 2012 Telstra Tasmanian Business Women Awards were:

Commonwealth Bank Business Owner Award

• Michelle Williams - @home property management solutions
• Paula Leishman - Leishman Associates (Winner)
• Sarah Hirst - Leaning Church Vineyard
• Julia Ralph - Newstead Hair

Hudson Private and Corporate Award

• Lucinda Mills - Camerons (Winner)
• Megan Hampton - Elephant Property

White Pages Community and Government Award

• Jenny Self - The Hutchins School
• Diana Butler - Care for Africa Foundation (Winner)
• Penelope Dodd - Produce to the People Tasmania
• Judi Adams - National Breast Cancer Foundation

Nokia Business Innovation Award

• Sarah Hirst - Leaning Church Vineyard
• Julia Ralph - Newstead Hair (Winner)
• Lucinda Mills - Camerons

marie claire Young Business Women's Award

• Julia Ralph - Newstead Hair (Winner)
• Lucinda Mills - Camerons
• Megan Hampton - Elephant Property

The Telstra Tasmanian Business Woman of the Year Award was won by Lucinda Mills.