TINA Tower believes in the power of positive thinking.
Eight years ago when she opened her first tutoring centre in Sutherland Shire she set her sights on winning a national award.
That dream came true when she was announced winner of educational services at the recent Australian Small Business Champion awards.
The awards, run by Precedent Productions, are the only national program of their kind to recognise the achievements and performances of small business.
Mrs Tower said it was a big thrill to win the award against bigger competitors.
"That was the one I was looking for — the pinnacle," she said.
"It is a great reward for all the teachers and it was nice that [the judges] recognised that."