Family-owned psychology business named WA Regional Small Business of the Year

• ​Nudge Psychology Assessment & Consulting named Western Australian Regional Small Business of the Year
• 47 finalists from all nine regions contested the awards
• 2017 is the 15th year of the WA Regional Small Business Awards

Melissa Harrison left her paid job to create a centre of clinical excellence in psychological treatment for her local community.  Five years on, with husband Justin also working in the practice, Nudge Psychology is a thriving clinical practice based in Busselton and servicing the entire South-West region.

Small Business Minister Paul Papalia was at the awards event at the Hyatt Regency tonight and was impressed by the high calibre of entrants from across the State.

There were finalists from all nine regions this year, in businesses ranging from craft brewers to retailers, vets, rum distillers and tourism operators.

The nine category winners are from four regions and include businesses from Vasse, Margaret River, Bunbury, Denmark, Katanning, Exmouth and Derby.

The South-West region scooped the pool with five category winners and the 2017 WA Regional Small Business of the Year. 

As well as the overall winner, Nudge Psychology won the category for Customer Service and received prizes of $1,000 cash, $25,000 in advertising from GWN7 and the production of a 30-second commercial courtesy of Lomax Media. 

Comments attributed to Small Business Minister Paul Papalia:

"Tonight's winners are excellent examples of the innovation and creativity of small businesses in the rural and regional centres of Western Australia.

"It's clear from the finalists and winners chosen for these awards that the face of regional WA is changing and niche businesses such as craft brewers and unique tourism opportunities are succeeding in the regions.

"Small businesses are also playing a significant role in the regions by supporting major industries such as mining, agriculture and tourism.

"With more than 200,000 small businesses in WA, 65,000 of which are in the regions, and a collective contribution of nearly $40 billion in GDP, the small business sector is a major contributor to our economy and our lifestyles."

Minister's office - 6552 5600

2017 WA Regional Small Business of the Year Category Winners: