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The David Awards recognise the unsung heroes in home and small businesses throughout New Zealand, whose tenacity, courage and ingenuity place them firmly at the forefront of entrepreneurship in this country.

Just as David, an ordinary, unassuming young man, used shrewdness and a simple slingshot to conquer the giant Goliath, so these entrepreneurial Davids often punch well above their weight.

The David Awards seek to honour these heroes in small business. For more information see www.thedavidawards.co.nz .

The organizer of the Awards, Heather Douglas, says, "The judges felt there was a strong and varied field of entrants. These finalists are inspiring, courageous business people with a passion for what they do and the determination to make it work. Some have overcome considerable adversity in order to reach the success they now enjoy."

Category winners and a Supreme Award will be announced during a live webcast on The David Awards web site from 10.30 a.m. on the 7th of October. A podcast of the event will be available for download for an extended period after the actual ceremony.

The David Awards finalists for 2009 are:

Most outstanding fledgling business
A start-up business which is under two years young, smart, quirky, or just very professionally set up.

Belly Beyond
Pet Partners

Most outstanding transitional business
A promising business which has moved beyond the start-up phase and is more than 18 months old, which has a proven track record and some or all of the plans/people/systems/processes in place to make a well-above-average future a reality. This Award seeks to recognise a business planning for and/or coping with the changes required to take a business through expansion and significant growth.

Tease Organix
Telephos
The Model Workshop

Most outstanding triumph over adversity
A business which has succeeded in spite of challenges beyond the usual.

Cosy Toes
Holistic Vets
New Millennium Essences

Most outstanding lifestyle business
A business which epitomises the ability to integrate business and lifestyle, with the owner(s) to take advantage of its flexibility to fit income generation around spending time on family or leisure activities or other pursuits.

Pakiri Beach Horse Riding
Telephos