Business export award goes to Shopping Links

At the 37th Governor of Victoria Export Awards (GOVEA), a fast-growing social media start-up won the top award for business services.

The online marketplace, Shopping Links, connects bloggers and social influencers with brands to reach new audiences. It was presented with the award during a ceremony at Government House, in recognition of its international success in professional business services.

Exports have primarily been the driving force behind Shopping Links’ revenue, with international collaborations comprising 70% of the company’s revenue and export sales accounting for 94% of its overall sales in the past year.

“These awards are a great way to recognise the hard work of our exporting businesses throughout a range of different industries across the state,” said Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis.

“We’re leading the country in small business growth and start-ups. These awards give us the opportunity to provide local businesses, like Shopping Links, the recognition they deserve for taking the very best of Victoria to the world.”

More than 50 businesses entered the awards this year, which are designed to recognise the hard work and economic contributions exporters make to Victoria. They also increase the state’s business profile locally and internationally.

For the last three years running, a GOVEA winner has gone on to win the Australian Exporter of the Year award, cementing Victoria’s reputation as the country’s leading exporter.

Victorian exports make a crucial contribution to the economy, with total exports of goods and services in 2014–15 rising 4.8% to a record $39.4 billion.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Jesús Sanz