Celebrating Australia's fastest-growing small and medium businesses, and recognising outstanding growth, leadership and innovation.
Late entry deadline: Midnight Friday September 4.
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Join us for the 2026 Smart50 Awards, a major gala awards ceremony and dinner that celebrates and recognises the best of Australia's fastest-growing small and medium businesses.
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 12 November 2026
Metropolis
Level 4, Southgate, Southbank, Melbourne
The Smart50 category awards recognise standout businesses for their innovation, contributions to the community, early-stage success, and more.
The 12 categories celebrate the positive and inspirational contributions of growing businesses beyond pure financial performance, and offer a chance to showcase the great work Australian businesses have been doing over the last 12 months.
Vote now in the People’s Choice award: Founder of the Year.
Have you led your business to something great? This one's for you.
Sponsored by Optus
Recognises a business initiative that supports environmental conservation or advocacy.
Celebrates a business that has supported its clientele or wider community.
Sponsored by CreditorWatch
Recognises the most impressive marketing campaign from an Australian SME this year.
Sponsored by Michu Pet Supplies
This award celebrates innovations in product offerings and outstanding customer service.
Sponsored by Lightspeed
Recognises a business that has shown adaptability and leadership.
Sponsored by Mastercard
This award celebrates businesses taking their impact to the world stage.
Celebrates initiatives that spark progressive change in an industry through disruptive strategies, digital solutions or original ideas.
Sponsored by Mastercard
Recognises the achievements of high-growth startups younger than three years.
Sponsored by ASBFEO
This award celebrates thriving businesses in regional Australia.
This award celebrates a small business with an enlightened and supportive approach to its people and culture.
Our ‘hall of fame’ award, recognising the achievements of Australian businesses over multiple Smart50 award years.
Co-Founder & CEO, HEX
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Founder and Marketing Strategist, Campaign Del Mar
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, July
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Ombudsman, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise (ASBFEO)
Founder and CEO, LULUMPR
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CEO, Snuggle Hunny
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Founder & Director, PackQueen
Founder & CEO, Adorn Cosmetics
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Co-founder and CEO, Tractor Ventures
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Sparring Partner, Menon Curatorial
Global Marketing Director, Vudoo
Editor, SmartCompany
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Vice President, Account Management, Mastercard
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Country Manager, Australia, Mastercard
Founder & CEO, Michu Pet Supplies
Co-founder and CEO, Luxury Escapes
Co-founder and CEO, Seer Data & Analytics
CEO UtopiaX, Founder, IdeaSparx
Founder and Managing Director, Pure Public Relations
Head of People & Culture, Cobild
Director, Dak & Co
Brand Counsel
Editor, Business Builders + Flying Solo
Editor, Startup Daily
Associate Professor of Marketing, RMIT University
Director, Grid City
Co-founder and partner, HumanX HR
Managing Director, The Sally Branson Consulting Group (SBCG)
Senior business journalist, SmartCompany
Supporting partner
Gold partner
Category sponsors
Community Partners
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