Fifteen finalists have been announced for the Telstra ACT Business Woman of the Year awards with the participants from the ACT representing a diverse range of careers. The 19th annual awards serve to inspire and celebrate women in business as well as acknowledge the achievements of those nominated.
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Founder and owner of Pups4Fun, Rhiannon Beach, said she was surprised when she was told she was a finalist, saying she was unaware she had been nominated for the awards.
Typical of her busy schedule, Ms Beach was running one of her dog playgroups when she received the call that she was a finalist in both the Business Owner and the Young Business Women's award. The 24-year-old's path to success began in the first year of her law degree at the University of Canberra where she identified and acted on a gap in the dog-caring industry. Since then Pups4Fun has prospered and now provides services for an average of 80 dogs a week.
The inspiration for Ms Beach's business began early on: ''In year 11, an innovative teacher provided me with the freedom and learning style I needed to thrive and it was at this time I wrote my first business plan for Pups4Fun.''
At the heart of her business strategy is the unique behaviour modification for dogs experiencing stress, anxiety and aggression that comes as part of the service.
In addition to the day-to-day duties of running a business Ms Beach is set to finish her law degree next year, which she says has taught her some lessons about time management. ''I've been doing it for six years now and it's definitely taught me a thing or two about juggling both,'' Ms Beach said.
While someone in her position could get carried away with future aspirations, Ms Beach has set her sights on becoming the number one service provider in the ACT as well as improving awareness of dog training and care.
The recipients will be announced on October 9 with awards being presented for the categories of Business Owner, Private and Corporate Sector, Community and Government, Business Innovation and Young Business Women. Winners from the ACT section will proceed to the national finals in Melbourne on Thursday, November 14.