finance

Seesaw Design Studio Wins Melbourne Small Business of the Year Award

The North Melbourne studio's Small Business of the Year win highlights how established local operators continue to serve the community amid broader pressures on Melbourne firms.

By Melbourne Business Desk · Published 25 July 2026

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The City of Melbourne's annual Lord Mayor’s Small Business Awards recognised North Melbourne design studio Seesaw as Small Business of the Year, spotlighting operators that have served the community for more than a decade.

Why recognition matters now

Family-run manufacturing businesses in Melbourne's south-east face land tax increases of up to 300 per cent, while the city's rental market recorded one of Australia's weakest performances in the June 2026 quarter. These conditions make awards that honour longevity and local contribution especially relevant for operators navigating higher costs.

Named businesses and precincts in the spotlight

Seesaw joins other long-standing names such as McCloud Shoes, which has operated since 1949 under three generations of the Parkinson family, Mr Barber in the Melbourne CBD, and All Star Comics, also in the CBD. NGarrgu Djerring received the inaugural Small Social Enterprise Award, while All Things Equal in Balaclava was noted for creating employment for people with disabilities. Small businesses account for 74 per cent of all businesses in the City of Melbourne and employ nearly 80,000 people.

Scale of the awards program

More than 620 businesses have been honoured through the awards since 2005. The program focuses on owners who have contributed to the community over extended periods rather than short-term metrics.

Pfizer's $150 million investment in Melbourne for superbug drug development and Canva's acquisition of Leonardo.AI for more than $120 million illustrate separate strands of business activity in the city. At least ten businesses were damaged in a suspected arson attack in Richmond.

Next steps for operators

Businesses interested in the awards can review eligibility through the City of Melbourne channels. Those facing land tax changes in the south-east have called for a government inquiry into the increases.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.

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