The Times Australia
Google AI
Small Business News

.

Smart50 Awards 2024 now open


Entries for the Smart50 Awards 2024 are now open. The Smart50 is an annual awards ceremony that recognises the 50 fastest growing businesses across Australia, and celebrates exceptional companies in eight key categories. 

 

Winners of previous Smart50s have acknowledged how much the awards contribute to their growth, including Athan Didaskalou, co-founder of July – the luggage label equipping Australia’s athletes at the Paris Olympics. Didaskalou – a winner in 2022 – says “We had so much positive press as a result, and people we speak to still reference that win.”

 

This year concentrates on Smart50’s legacy of recognising businesses who will continue to shape the Australian landscape. Previous Smart50 winners include Atlassian, Vinomofo, Showpo, Untitled Group and Mr Yum. 

 

SmartCompany editor in chief, Simon Crerar says, “SmartCompany champions the 99.8% of Australian businesses with under 200 staff who generate more than 50% of Australia’s GDP, and employ more than 75% of all Aussie workers. We’re privileged to partner with Optus to recognise the businesses that drive our nation’s economy and workforce.

 

We’ve simplified our application process this year so businesses can easily apply, be recognised, and in November, join us in Melbourne to celebrate success from every industry.”

 

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson echoed this importance saying “Small business is a dynamic and fast-growing sector that allows people with an entrepreneurial spirit to pursue their dreams and own livelihoods. They come with varied ambitions, backgrounds and experiences but what they have in common is the desire to have a go.”

 

“The Smart50 Awards celebrate the innovation, growth, community and leadership shown by our small and medium businesses.”

Applications are open for

The Smart50 Awards List - which ranks the 50 fastest growing Australian SMEs.

The Smart50 Awards categories including:

Community Hero, sponsored by Optus – celebrating a business doing exceptional work to support its wider community.

Previous winners: SHE-com, Code Like a Girl

Resilience Award, sponsored by Fifo Capital – recognising a business that has shown adaptability and leadership.

Previous winner: StudioHawk

Rising Star Award, sponsored by Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman – recognises high-growth startups younger than three years.

Previous winner: al.ive body, Zero Co.

 

See further categories at: https://events.smartcompany.com.au/smart50_2024

 

Entry to the Smart50 is now open at a discounted early bird rate of $150 AUD + GST.

 

Entries are open now until September 13, with the Smart50 and category award winners to be revealed in Melbourne in November.


Property Times

Vendor Advocacy Fees

Vendor advocacy fees can vary widely based on a number of factors, including the type of service provided, the scope of the engagement, and the experience of the advocate. Here's a general breakdown of how these fees might be structured: 1. Flat...

Understanding Kerbside Valuation: A Practical Guide for Property Owners

When it comes to property transactions, not every situation requires a full, detailed valuation. In many cases, lenders, investors, or homeowners simply need a quick, efficient assessment of a property’s approximate market value. This is where a ke...

Why the Prevailing RBA Mortgage Interest Rates Are Not to Blame for the Continuing Rise in Residential Dwelling Prices

Australia’s housing market remains one of the most debated economic issues of the decade. Despite successive Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) interest rate hikes aimed at cooling demand, residential dwelling prices across most capital cities and man...

How Real Estate Agent Commissions Work in Australian States and Territories

When buying or selling property in Australia, one of the biggest costs—beyond the property price itself—comes from real estate agent commissions. These commissions are the fees agents charge for marketing, negotiating, and finalising the sale of ...

Food & Dining

Sweeten Next Year’s Australia Day with Pure Maple Syrup

Are you on the lookout for some delicious recipes to indulge in with your family and friends this upcoming Australia Day? Here we have rounded up a selection of our favourite recipes that we thought may be of interest to you – from refreshing drink...

Australia’s Coffee Culture Faces an Afternoon Rethink as New Research Reveals a Surprising Blind Spot

Australia’s celebrated coffee culture may be world‑class in the morning, but new research* suggests it’s falling short when it comes to the afternoon ritual — and Melbourne, long considered the nation’s café capital, may be the city best placed t...

98 Lygon St Melbourne’s New Mediterranean Hideaway

Brunswick East has just picked up a serious summer upgrade. Neighbourhood favourite 98 Lygon St Bar and Bistro has unveiled its refreshed courtyard and it already feels like the city’s newest Mediterranean escape. To welcome the warm weather, the...

How healthy are the hundreds of confectionery options and soft drinks

Walk into any big Australian supermarket and the first thing that hits you isn’t the smell of fresh bread or the neatly stacked veggies – it’s walls of chocolate bars, lolly bags, energy drinks and two-litre bottles of cola staring you down from ...

Business Times

The Evolution of Retail: From Bricks and Mortar to Online — What’…

Retail has always been a mirror of society. As populations grew, cities formed, technology advanced, and lifestyles chang...

The main-street comeback: how family-run food businesses are thri…

Walk down almost any Australian main street right now—whether it’s a coastal strip, an inner-suburban high street, or a c...

FOLLOW.ART Launches the Nexus Card as the Ultimate Creative-World…

For the holiday season, FOLLOW.ART introduces a new kind of gift for art lovers, cultural supporters, and anyone who wants ...

The Times Features

The Evolution of Retail: From Bricks and Mortar to Online — What’s Next?

Retail has always been a mirror of society. As populations grew, cities formed, technology advan...

How hot is too hot? Here’s what to consider when exercising in the heat

If you like to exercise outdoors, summer gives you more chance to catch the daylight. It’s often...

Vendor Advocacy Fees

Vendor advocacy fees can vary widely based on a number of factors, including the type of service...

MYA Cosmetics launches in Australia with bold new collection designed for creative tweens

MYA Cosmetics has officially launched in Australia, introducing its 2026 collection featuring th...

How smart home materials can shield us from extreme heat and cut energy bills all year

Australia is getting hotter. Climate change is driving more frequent and prolonged extreme heatw...

What is autistic burnout? And what can you do about it?

Many autistic people face challenges in their daily life while navigating a world made for neuro...

What is ‘oatzempic’? Does it actually work for weight loss?

If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Instagram lately, you may have seen people blending oats...

Freak Weather Spikes ‘Allergic Disease’ and Eczema As Temperatures Dip

“Allergic disease” and eczema cases are spiking due to the current freak weather as the Bureau o...

The Man Behind Sydney’s New Year’s Eve Midnight Moment: Jono Ma

When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, Sydney will ring in 2026 powered by a high-volt...