It’s your time to shine… Nominations for the Smart50 Awards 2025 are officially open and Aussie small businesses are invited to enter.

For 17 years, the Smart50 Awards have been uncovering the fastest-growing and most exciting small and medium businesses across the country. Run by our sister publication SmartCompany, the awards help founders gain national recognition, open doors with investors and partners, and give small business teams the kudos they deserve.

Eloise Keating, editor of SmartCompany, says it’s an opportunity no ambitious small business should pass up.

“The Smart50 Awards have a long history of finding, and celebrating, the most exciting companies in Australia,” Keating explains.

“Smart50 winners gain national recognition and media coverage and join an elite alumni group that includes some of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs. Our previous winners tell us the awards help them get noticed, by customers, partners and investors.”

Keating says this year there’s even more on offer.

“The business that ranks first on the Smart50 list will win a $10,000 advertising package, and we will be selecting one Smart50 entrant to win a $5000 prize. Everyone who enters the Smart50 Awards will be in the running for this second prize,” adds Keating.

The Laundry Lady was just one of the winners in the 2024 awards. Image source SmartCompany

From Atlassian to Adore Beauty: alumni who made it big

Over nearly two decades, the Smart50 has featured names every Aussie now knows, from Atlassian and Adore Beauty to Booktopia, Pet Circle, July and b.box for kids.

Keating points out that making the list has often been a pivotal moment. “Our previous winners all say the Smart50 Awards helped build their credibility, open doors to new partners and investors, and provide well-deserved recognition for their teams.”

Even big-name founders still talk about their Smart50 success. In their book Catch of the Decade, Catch.com.au founders Gabby and Hezi Leibovich recalled their delight at making the list back in 2009: “We came 38th but we didn’t care! We were in the running and that got us noticed.”

And the benefits keep flowing.

“More recently, innovative apparel brand Paire said winning multiple categories in the 2024 Smart50 Awards led to interview and podcast opportunities, as well as business partnerships,” Keating says.

What makes a Smart50 business stand out?

While the Smart50 awards have a focus on growth, Keating says it’s about more than big revenue numbers.

“The awards have been designed to recognise independent, Australian businesses that are growing year-on-year. But more than that, the Smart50 categories celebrate businesses that display excellence in marketing, retail, innovation, sustainability, exporting and more,” Keating says.

There are also categories for Community Heroes and Rising Stars, giving recognition to those making a social impact or just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey.

The cofounders of Paire picked up three awards in 2024. Image source SmartCompany

Bigger and better in 2025

Keating tells Business Builders this year’s program promises to be the biggest yet.

“First, we have added some exciting new categories to this year’s awards, including an export category and the Founder of the Year Award. This one will be decided by a popular vote, which is a great way to involve our readers in the awards program,” Keating says.

And if you’re keen to network with the best in the business, you’ll want to be at the awards night in November.

“Our awards night will be bigger and better, with an exclusive sit-down dinner and brilliant networking opportunities,” she says.

Finalists and winners will also get ongoing support through SmartCompany.

“All Smart50 finalists are showcased across the SmartCompany website and social media channels with their own profile, and being part of the awards often leads to ongoing media coverage. We love following the journey of our Smart50 alumni and continue to report on them years down the track!”

How to enter

Entries are now open and close Friday 5 September 2025. Early bird entry costs $200, and event tickets are $350.

Whether you’re chasing fast growth, building a game-changing brand, or backing your local community, this is your chance to get your name up in lights.

“We’re talking about serious recognition. National exposure. And a night that brings the sharpest founders, investors and operators together to celebrate ambition and grit,” Keating concludes.

So, if you’re building something bold or something that matters, then this is your moment.

Enter the Smart50 Awards 2025 now

Want more? Get our newsletter delivered straight to your inbox!  Follow Business Builders on Facebook , X , Instagram , and LinkedIn.