About the Smart50 Awards 2022
Since 2007, the Smart50 Awards have delivered national recognition to the fastest growing businesses across Australia.
This year we’re partnering with Employment Hero for the return of our in-person awards night on 16 November 2022 which celebrates the most impressive SMEs in Australia.
Get your entry in by midnight on 7 October 2022.
Join a legacy of iconic Australian innovators
Look back at past winners and entrants and you’ll see a who’s who of Australian game changers. Atlassian, Showpo, Vinomofo, Adore Beauty Mr Yum and more are part of the Smart50 alumni. Will you be next?
Be part of the story
Highlights, updates and winner announcements will be featured in SmartCompany. We’ll also give eligible entries a free three-month membership to SmartCompany Plus.
Celebrate together
It’s been another challenging year, so it’s time to get together and party. We’ll count down our 2022 Smart50 and name the winners of our category awards at our end of year event.
The Categories
People Power Award
Sponsored by Employment Hero
This award will celebrate a business that demonstrates an enlightened and supportive approach to its people and culture.
Innovator Award
Entrants must show initiatives that spark progressive change in their industry or business through disruptive strategies, digital solutions or original ideas.
Resilience Award
Sponsored by Fifo Capital
Major award for a business which has shown resilience, adaptability and leadership in the last year.
Rising Star Award
Sponsored by Aiven
This award recognises the achievements of high-growth startups younger than three years.
Startups younger than three years are not eligible for the Smart50 list, but can enter into the Rising Star award. Startups more than three years old are not eligible for the Rising Star award but can enter into the Smart50 list and other categories.
Community Hero
This award will celebrate a small business that has supported its people, clientele or wider community in a productive, uplifting or charitable way.
Retail Champion
Entrants must show innovations in product offer, outstanding customer service, employee care and sales and marketing initiatives.
Sustainability Award
Entrants who can show examples of initiatives that support or promote energy or water conservation, waste reduction, climate action or environmental advocacy.
Marketing Award
An award for a business that can inspire great marketing from others by demonstrating how it implemented creative marketing to launch new products, build brand awareness or find new audiences.
Regional Award
Entrants from regional areas that have made significant impact to their community by supporting local organisations or boosting economies with jobs and opportunities.
Eligibility
Your Smart50 entry will be assessed based on:
● Confirmation you are an independent Australian business with fewer than 200 employees.
● Year-on-year revenue growth with your business to showing three consecutive years of fifinancial growth* and submitted documentation, either in the form of a written notice from your company accountant or annual statements from the ATO;
● Your written responses.
The Rising Star and Resilience Award category has separate criteria
Applicants applying for the Rising Star award:
● have been in the business for up to three years;
● demonstrate a minimum of $500,000 (excluding GST) in revenue each year;
● are not eligible for the Smart50 list.
