Eight small businesses will gain invaluable exposure during Round 9 of the NRL Telstra Premiership through Telstra’s Name in Lights campaign.

The companies will each occupy premium advertising space – including big-screen promotion and stadium signage, in-game content and on-show mentions – during next week’s games.

Among the winners are a hairdressing salon, an electrical company, a writing workshop and a bakery.

Dragons center Zac Lomax and Rabbitohs winger Josh Mansour personally called the winners to share the good news and there was an overwhelming sense of excitement.

“Small and medium-sized businesses are the engine room of our economy and we want them to continue to achieve their goals,” said Michael Ackland, director of the Consumer and Small Business Group at Telstra.

“We are thrilled to be able to give these 17 small businesses the opportunity to get their name out there in the spotlight.

“These small businesses will be able to reach millions of attendees and trade shows across the country, which only large companies with big budgets can normally afford.

“For many this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we hope it’s a great way to shine a light on some of the businesses that have kept our economy running over the past 12 months.”

Another 50 companies will be promoted on assets owned by Telstra, such as retail stores and Telstra.com.

The winners had to sign up for the new Telstra Business Go Digital Consult service and explain why their business should be plugged in.

“I just called to say you won Telstra’s big take for small business,” Lomax told a winner.

“Your brand name will be all over the stadium – everyone can see it.”

Telstra is also offering Business Go Digital consultations to all small businesses for free in 2021, valued at approximately $ 7.5 million.

And nine companies will also receive premium ad space throughout AFL games in the next round.

Small business winners – NRL

• Barber Shop Ace of Blade (Wynnum, QLD) – Rabbitohs vs. Storm
• Brite Spark Electrical Services (Ashfield, NSW) – Eels v. Roosters
• West Words (Parramatta, NSW) – Panthers vs. Sharks
• Holbrook Bakery (Holbrook, NSW) – Raiders v. Knights
• Unico Kitchens (Ingleburn, NSW) – Tigers vs. Titans
• Muscle Mat (Brisbane, QLD) – Cowboys vs. Broncos
• EME Roofing (Lidcombe, NSW) – Dragons v. Bulldogs
• Vegepod (Sydney, NSW) – Sea Eagles vs. Warriors