Frequently asked questions

Entry deadline: Monday, August 31, 2026
Late entry deadline: Friday, September 4, 2026
Category finalists announced: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Gala event: Thursday, November 12, 2026

Download the 2026 Smart50 Awards Entry Criteria here.

Entry cost: $200 + GST
Late entry cost: $250 + GST

Definitely - in fact, we encourage it! Your entry form will save your information so you'll only need to provide answers to the additional questions attached to each award category.

You will need to pay an entry fee for each additional submission.

Smart50 applicants are asked to submit their company's revenue growth for three consecutive years. We then calculate the average growth rate across this three-year period and use it to rank the 50 fastest-growing businesses.

The category awards, which are entered separately to the Smart50 list, are assessed by our expert judging panel, and based on information submitted in your entry form.

If you're a finalist in the 2026 Smart50 category awards - congratulations! - but this does not automatically mean that your business will be included in the Smart50 list.

The Smart50 list is a ranked list that is determined by three-year revenue growth rates, which means the fastest growing businesses to enter the awards will be placed on the list.

The category awards are judged separately to the Smart50 list, with the winners selected by our judging panel. Businesses that place on the Smart50 list are often also finalists for the category awards, but this is not always the case. You can also be a finalist in a category award, but not place on the Smart50 list if your three-year growth rate is lower than the top 50 companies to enter the awards.

To be considered for a category award, you must enter that category specifically.

If your business is included in the 2026 Smart50 list, you will be notified after the category award finalists are announced on September 29, 2026.

For further information about the awards, the list or sponsorship, please contact events@smartcomedia.com.au