Australia’s small business exporters are punching well above their weight, and now eight of the best have been named as finalists in the Small Business category of the 63rd Australian Export Awards.

Presented by Austrade, the awards celebrate the innovators taking Aussie smarts, produce and tech to the world, helping power the nation’s economic success while they’re at it.

These outstanding exporters have already been recognised in their State or Territory awards, representing the very best of our world-class export sector. There are 95 finalists in total this year  and almost half of them have a turnover under $10 million, proving small business is a huge player in Australia’s global reputation.

Trade Minister Don Farrell says Australia’s products and services are renowned for their excellence throughout the world.

“This year’s finalists represent the very best of Australian exporters and make a significant contribution to our economy, employ thousands of Australians, and support communities across the country.”

Winners will be revealed in Canberra on 26 November 2025.

Here’s a first look at the mighty small businesses flying the flag globally:

BixeLab (ACT)

As Australia’s only ISO-accredited biometric testing lab, Canberra’s BixeLab is making sure digital identity systems are fair and accuratem no matter where you are in the world. The team recently secured NIST NVLAP accreditation in the US and is now expanding into Southeast Asia and Africa to meet growing global demand for trustworthy biometric testing.

BiteRiot! (NSW)

Premium apples, cherries and cold-pressed juice grown in the volcanic soils of Orange? Yes please. BiteRiot! has turned its family orchard operations into a booming export success, with Aussie fruit now starring in luxury supermarkets and juice bars throughout Asia.

Cycad International (NT)

This family business from Katherine has one of the most surprising export stories around. As the world’s only licensed exporter of salvaged Boab trees and rare cycads, Cycad International’s plants now feature everywhere from royal gardens to high-end desert developments across the Middle East. Talk about putting down global roots.

Audeara (QLD)

Brisbane-based Audeara has developed personalised headphones designed to suit each listener’s unique hearing profile. With exports spreading across Asia and Europe, this med-tech innovator is helping people with hearing loss enjoy sound the way it should be, that is, tailored just for them.

Pixelforce (SA)

If you’ve downloaded a fitness app or shopped online, there’s a chance Adelaide’s Pixelforce had something to do with it. The tech firm builds custom apps and digital platforms used across 142 countries, backing startups and scale-ups as they take their ideas worldwide.

Three Warriors (TAS)

Born in Tassie’s pristine environment, clean beauty brand Three Warriors has developed a global fanbase for its organic, vegan tanning range. With products now stocked in the US and Europe, the company is showing the world that sustainability and a golden glow can go hand in hand.

Molecule2Market (VIC)

Melbourne’s Molecule2Market — or M2M — helps biotech and pharma innovators speed up clinical trials and bring new breakthroughs to life. After expanding into the US, its exports have surged a whopping 730%, and the company continues to take its expertise to Europe and Asia.

icetana AI (WA)

Hailing from Perth, icetana AI keeps an eye on the world — literally. Its smart video analytics platform detects unusual behaviour across major CCTV networks in shopping centres, public spaces and transport hubs. Already trusted across the Middle East and Asia, the firm now has its sights set on North America.

These eight small business legends really prove that innovation doesn’t just come from the big end of town. We’ll be cheering them on as they head for Canberra for the finals.

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