Entries to Smart50 Awards open for 2024

• Launch of the Smart50 Awards 2024, the premier business awards that have been running since 2007.

• High-profile previous winners include Atlassian, Vinomofo, Showpo, and Untitled Group.

• Entries are open to Australian businesses that have a $500K yearly revenue and have been in operation for at least three years.

Entries for the Smart50 Awards 2024 are now open. The Smart50 is an annual awards ceremony that recognises the 50 fastest-growing businesses across Australia and celebrates exceptional companies in eight key categories.

Winners of previous Smart50s have acknowledged how much the awards contribute to their growth, including Athan Didaskalou, co-founder of July – the luggage label equipping Australia’s athletes at the Paris Olympics. Didaskalou – a winner in 2022 – says “We had so much positive press as a result, and people we speak to still reference that win.”

This year concentrates on Smart50’s legacy of recognising businesses that will continue to shape the Australian landscape. Previous Smart50 winners include Atlassian, Vinomofo, Showpo, Untitled Group and Mr Yum.

SmartCompany editor-in-chief, Simon Crerar says, “SmartCompany champions the 99.8% of Australian businesses with under 200 staff who generate more than 50% of Australia’s GDP, and employ more than 75% of all Aussie workers. We’re privileged to partner with Optus to recognise the businesses that drive our nation’s economy and workforce.

We’ve simplified our application process this year so businesses can easily apply, be recognised, and in November, join us in Melbourne to celebrate success from every industry.”

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson echoed this importance saying “Small business is a dynamic and fast-growing sector that allows people with an entrepreneurial spirit to pursue their dreams and own livelihoods. They come with varied ambitions, backgrounds and experiences but what they have in common is the desire to have a go.”

“The Smart50 Awards celebrate the innovation, growth, community and leadership shown by our small and medium businesses.”

Applications are open for

1. The Smart50 Awards List – which ranks the 50 fastest-growing Australian SMEs.

2. The Smart50 Awards categories include:

• Community Hero, sponsored by Optus – celebrating a business doing exceptional work to support its wider community.

  • Previous winners: SHE-com, Code Like a Girl

• Resilience Award, sponsored by Fifo Capital – recognising a business that has shown adaptability and leadership.

  • Previous winner: StudioHawk

• Rising Star Award, sponsored by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman – recognises high-growth startups younger than three years.

  • Previous winner: al.ive body, Zero Co.

See further categories at: https://events.smartcompany.com.au/smart50_2024

Entry to the Smart50 is now open at a discounted early bird rate of $150 AUD + GST.