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Why Pause Awards

Fortune favours the brave, and Pause Awards champions the power of community, breakthroughs and gold-standard.

Pause Awards Night & Afterparty '23
Pause Awards Night '23, image by Jess Middleton
“Winning the ‘Company of Year’ award really put us on the map and was very unexpected!”
David McLaughlin
CTO, BODD

Why enter

If you’re a trailblazer in tech, a champion for sustainability, a leader who empowers, or part of any forward-thinking tribe, the Pause Awards is your arena.

It’s more than an award; it’s a validation of your innovation, a chance to stand among peers who are reshaping the future.

This isn’t just about recognition; it’s about joining an ambitious community, enhancing your influence, and elevating your mission. Here, less than 30% triumph in a rigorous judging process by industry leaders. Winning means not just an accolade but a testament to your impact, a boost for your team, and an opportunity to attract talent and clients.

Ready to be celebrated for your breakthrough?

How to enter

Who should enter

Entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders from SMBs, Scaleups, Startups and Corporate entities who are steering their organisations towards remarkable achievements are the ideal candidates for the Pause Awards. If your venture has pioneered innovative solutions, driven significant market change, or displayed exceptional growth and strategic leadership, these awards are your platform to shine.

Specifically, we invite entries from:

  • Startups

    Disruptive newcomers with groundbreaking products or services.

  • Scaleups

    Rapidly growing companies expanding their market reach, influence and seeking new funding rounds.

  • Small and medium businesses

    Small and medium businesses that have made notable impacts in their niche.

  • Tech Innovators

    Companies and individuals at the forefront of technological advancement and digital transformation.

  • Sustainable Enterprises

    Large businesses leading with eco-friendly initiatives and sustainable practices.

No matter the size or industry, the Pause Awards celebrate the spirit of progress and innovation. If your company aligns with these values, we welcome your entry.

What’s the value

Entering the Pause Awards aligns you with a vibrant community of forward-thinkers, offering a platform for significant promotion, valuable networking, and extensive media exposure. The awards are more than a competition; they are an investment in your network’s worth, providing opportunities for mentorship, speaking engagements, and featuring your achievements across newsletters and meetups.

“Pause is the community of amazing innovators, and we are thrilled to be recognised for the third year running.”
Matt Vitale
Co-founder, Birchal
“Entrepreneurship is all about the community. Otherwise it can be a very isolated experience. So being part of the ecosystem is everything.”
Jirra Harvey
Founder, Kalinya
“To have LVLY recognised as an innovative company was reaffirming and felt a bit like a pat on the back from our peers.”
Verity Tuck
Co-founder & COO, LVLY
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How does it work

  1. Enter into one or more categories
    Submit your application in the relevant award categories, showcasing your achievements and innovation to be considered.
  2. We approve your entry
    Our team reviews your submission for eligibility and completeness before it progresses to the judging phase.
  3. Judging and Public Voting starts
    An expert panel and public voters assess and deliberate on the entries across two rounds to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation.
  4. Voting ends, finalists announced
    Following the closure of voting, the highest-scoring entrants are shortlisted and announced as finalists in each category.
  5. Tickets to Awards Night & Afterparty
    Secure your spot at the prestigious Awards Night ceremony where industry leaders and innovators gather.
  6. Awards Night, winners announced
    A celebratory evening where the winners of each category are revealed and honoured for their contributions.
  7. Trophy ordering and shipping
    Winners can order the hand-made Pause Awards trophy, which will be shipped directly to them as a symbol of their accomplishment.

How it helps you

Participating in the Pause Awards can significantly benefit challenger brands, startups seeking investor appeal, and innovative companies aiming to showcase their creativity, regardless of revenue size.

It’s an opportunity for brand exposure, attracting talent and funding, it positions your venture within a narrative of breakthroughs, and a moment for self-reflection on your achievements. Especially for those fitting specific categories, it’s a chance to highlight how you excel and stand out in your field.

Meet WeMoney, founded by Dan Jovevski, the Pause Awards 2023 winner in ‘Wildfire’ category and the first Diamond, the best-in-show! Also the winners of ‘The company of the year’ and ‘Defiant ones’.

“Pause Awards last year brought a significant amount of attention to WeMoney, helped us with hiring and also helped us secure other business initiative’s — to this end, I CANNOT thank you enough for all your kind words to support the WeMoney, the start-up community and more importantly the positive impact this had on the team.”
Dan Jovevski
Founder & CEO, WeMoney

What WeMoney got from winning at Pause Awards:

  1. News with Mastercard
    Discussing the progress of Open Banking and getting into the Start Path Program.
  2. New senior executive
    Hire of Ben Preston from Fintech Unicorn Cover Genius.
  3. Another Award
    Win at the 9th Annual Fintech Awards where WeMoeny took out the “Best Fintech/Bank App” in Australia!

How we differ

  • Community Champions Platform

    Celebrating the interconnectedness and innovative drive of local entrepreneurs and leaders within the community.

  • Breakthrough Spotlight

    Honouring significant breakthroughs that showcase the power of innovation beyond mere financial success.

  • Rigorous, Independent Judging

    Our two-tiered evaluation process, led by a panel of esteemed judges, ensures that only the most deserving innovations are celebrated. This rigorous scrutiny underlines our commitment to meritocracy and integrity.

  • Celebrating Creativity and Impact

    We believe in the power of innovation beyond financial metrics. Our awards recognise the creative spirit, the courage to innovate, and the impact of your work, regardless of your organisation’s size and turnover.

  • Selective–Winner™ Recognition

    The Pause Awards uphold their prestige by awarding only the entries that surpass their high standards, ensuring exclusivity and true meritocracy in recognition.

  • Designer Trophy™ — A Symbol of Excellence

    Our designer trophies are not mere objects; they are symbols of innovation excellence, hand-crafted to commemorate your achievements and inspire continuous innovation.

  • Ambitious Innovators Feature on Pause Index

    Winners get a beautifully designed company page on Pause Awards website indexing their commitment to excellence and innovation and providing them a valuable back-linking.

  • Investable Score™ Certificate

    This innovative concept involves judges placing virtual bets on entries, signalling the entrants’ potential and promise.

  • Pause NomiGPT™ — Smart Chatbot Helper

    Debuting in 2024, Nomi will streamline the entry process, aiding entrants with submission drafting and category selection, marking a new era of accessibility for the Pause Awards.

  • Growth Mentors Board

    A board of seasoned experts offers top winners exclusive mentorship, unlocking unparalleled opportunities for growth and valuable networking.

  • Walking–Dance™ Ritual

    The awards night is further enlivened by a unique celebratory ritual, augmenting the excitement and significance of the winners’ revelation.

The impact of winning

Our ambitious winners have achieved smashing results in their businesses.
Want cold hard proof (in cold hard cash)? Let’s look at in capital raising:

  • Female-led Circle In raised $3M
  • evee overfunded 500% on Birchal to reach $1.6M
  • Great Wrap raised $25M
  • Birchal raised $3m in 63 min $3M
  • BODD closed $5M
  • Heaps Normal bagged $8.5M
  • Midnight Health closed Series B with $24M

The list is endless and so on. You could be the next!

What do winners get

Winning catapults you into the limelight, offering unparalleled promotion through our expansive newsletter database, spotlight interviews and speaking engagements, ensuring your story resonates widely. You’ll gain access to exclusive meetups and mentorship opportunities with industry vanguards, enriching your journey with invaluable insights and connections.

You also get exclusive access to the Growth Mentors Board, where industry titans offer guidance and insights to elevate your business to new heights. Along with this, winners are awarded the InvestableScore™ certificate, highlighting your venture’s potential and promise to investors.

The recognition also comes with a meticulously crafted Designer Trophy™, a symbol of your innovation excellence. Moreover, the celebratory highlight is the chance to showcase your unique Walking-Dance™ on the red carpet at the Pause Awards Night, making your victory not just a moment of pride but an unforgettable experience.

See who won Pause Awards '23

Read more

Category tracks

The Culture track seeks entries that exemplify the development of an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture, crucial for organisational success and growth. Submissions should illustrate transformative strategies implemented across core business functions, reflecting expertise, leadership, and a clear vision. These strategies should demonstrate a positive impact on the business, its employees, stakeholders, and customers, showcasing how a nurturing culture contributes to overall growth and innovation.

The Excellence track celebrates businesses that have demonstrated remarkable success and impact within their industry, regardless of their size. Entries for this category should illustrate how the business's strategic execution, guided by visionary leadership and exceptional expertise, has significantly influenced the industry. The focus will be on the tangible outcomes of these strategies, highlighting the company's ability to innovate, lead, and leave a lasting impression in its field.

The Good track is focused on recognising companies dedicated to their mission of creating a positive societal impact. Entries should highlight innovative solutions aimed at addressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability, social equity, and community well-being. Successful submissions will demonstrate how their initiatives contribute to significant changes, tackling issues like gender inequality, social imbalance, and injustice, thereby setting a precedent for responsible and impactful business practices.

Awarded to a single entry in a category, Grand Prix is the top accolade in that category. To win the Grand Prix, the entire Judging Board must unanimously agree that the entry deserves the accolade of being the best in that category.

The Growth track is about showcasing how businesses have enhanced productivity and execution to make a significant impact in their market. Entries should highlight innovative strategies that have optimised the customer journey, leading to increased engagement and commercial success. This track is for those who have effectively used their understanding of the market and customer needs to scale their business and achieve notable growth.

The Operators track seeks entries that showcase leadership in fostering innovation within their ecosystems. Ideal submissions will highlight how your initiatives have catalysed the creation of new products or services, bolstered by a culture that uplifts internal teams and the wider community. This track celebrates those who drive progress by empowering voices and forging transformative connections in their industry.

Categories

  • Always Evolving New

    Acknowledges a culture of continuous learning and improvement within a company, encourages employee development, and always looks for ways to optimise and innovate operations.

  • Big & Mighty Culture New

    Recognises companies (51-1000 employees) for their exceptional efforts in cultivating a culture that champions innovation.

  • Diverse Co.

    Celebrates workplaces dedicated to fostering innovation through a vibrant tapestry of diverse talents and perspectives.

  • Small & Mighty Culture New

    Applauds small teams of fewer than 50 employees for their remarkable ability to foster innovation and set new benchmarks in their domain.

  • Work Sweet Work

    Acknowledges companies that have achieved extraordinary employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, creating an exemplary workplace culture.

  • Company of the Year

    Honours an outstanding company that not only showcases exemplary leadership and resilience but also demonstrates a clear, quantifiable impact over the past year.

  • Customer Obsessed New

    Applauds prioritisation, understanding and meeting the needs and expectations of their customers, including feedback, personalised services and ensuring high satisfaction.

  • Defiant Ones

    Recognises firms that lead technological innovation, setting new standards and defining the future of their industries.

  • Hammer

    Celebrates companies that have not only defined success on their own terms but have also concretely demonstrated their triumphs over the past year.

  • I Wish I'd Done That

    Applauds ingenious, simple solutions in niche markets that spark a universal sentiment of admiration.

  • On the Rise

    Celebrates early-stage startups, under 4 years, that have shown remarkable progress and success in their initial years.

  • Prodigy

    Recognises young visionaries under 30 with outstanding talents and achievements, setting them apart in their fields.

  • Singularity

    Highlights AI-driven companies that are pioneering new services or integrating AI to create innovative products.

  • Women in Business

    Celebrates female entrepreneurs and leaders who are forging paths for future generations by creating more equitable opportunities.

  • B-Good

    Recognises businesses that redefine commercial success by positively transforming our economic system for the benefit of all stakeholders.

  • Circular Pioneer

    Celebrates companies at the forefront of circular economy practices, making substantial and sustainable differences.

  • Ethical Leadership New

    Commends companies exemplifying leadership in environmental and social governance, setting standards in corporate responsibility and ethical practices.

  • Going Green

    Acknowledges companies leading large-scale sustainable initiatives, addressing critical areas like clean energy and environmental justice.

  • Collab New

    Honours strategic partnerships and alliances with other businesses to leverage complementary strengths, access new markets, and share resources for synergistic growth and innovation.

  • Design First

    Celebrates companies where design is the heartbeat of innovation, engaging the whole team in crafting groundbreaking products.

  • Going Global New

    Applauds companies that have expanded their reach globally, showcasing exceptional growth and international success.

  • Great Pivot

    Acknowledges companies that adeptly navigate change, leveraging insights to pivot towards delivering outstanding products.

  • Movement

    Recognises unforgettable event experiences that resonate emotionally, drive social change, or achieve viral status.

  • New Model

    Honours businesses revolutionising markets with elegant and disruptive business models.

  • Next Level New

    Applauds companies which had successful strategic acquisition and integration of another entity, staff or an asset that allowed them to further grow and scale their services.

  • Wildfire

    Celebrates companies that have rapidly and significantly impacted their marketplace, online and offline, setting new standards for success.

  • Angel

    Honours visionary angel investors who've significantly contributed to early-stage startups, guiding them toward success.

  • C-Suite

    Recognises exceptional leadership qualities in high-ranking executives, showcasing their management and interpersonal excellence.

  • Creative Maverick New

    Honours unconventional thinkers with exceptional abilities to execute typically unimaginable initiatives, expertly coordinate teams, secure funding or successfully launch multiple ventures.

  • Ecosystem Star

    Celebrates individuals who energise and nurture their communities, fostering engagement and advocacy.

  • Future Builder

    Recognises the determination and resilience of founders who've embarked on the challenging journey of starting their own ventures.

  • Quiet Achiever New

    Applauds the unsung heroes whose behind-the-scenes efforts have led to flawless project executions and exceeded expectations.

  • Splash Down Under New

    Acknowledges international companies making a noteworthy entrance into the Australian market, enriching the local business ecosystem.

  • TopCoder

    Recognises developers for their outstanding technical skills, clean code, and collaborative spirit.

  • Venture Cap

    Salutes venture capital firms with a track record of backing transformative businesses, contributing significantly to Australia's economic growth.

  • Visionary New

    Recognises effective leadership by setting a clear vision, motivating the team, and making strategic decisions that guide their business towards its goals.

Drag

Category tracks

The Culture track seeks entries that exemplify the development of an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture, crucial for organisational success and growth. Submissions should illustrate transformative strategies implemented across core business functions, reflecting expertise, leadership, and a clear vision. These strategies should demonstrate a positive impact on the business, its employees, stakeholders, and customers, showcasing how a nurturing culture contributes to overall growth and innovation.

The Excellence track celebrates businesses that have demonstrated remarkable success and impact within their industry, regardless of their size. Entries for this category should illustrate how the business's strategic execution, guided by visionary leadership and exceptional expertise, has significantly influenced the industry. The focus will be on the tangible outcomes of these strategies, highlighting the company's ability to innovate, lead, and leave a lasting impression in its field.

The Good track is focused on recognising companies dedicated to their mission of creating a positive societal impact. Entries should highlight innovative solutions aimed at addressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability, social equity, and community well-being. Successful submissions will demonstrate how their initiatives contribute to significant changes, tackling issues like gender inequality, social imbalance, and injustice, thereby setting a precedent for responsible and impactful business practices.

Awarded to a single entry in a category, Grand Prix is the top accolade in that category. To win the Grand Prix, the entire Judging Board must unanimously agree that the entry deserves the accolade of being the best in that category.

The Growth track is about showcasing how businesses have enhanced productivity and execution to make a significant impact in their market. Entries should highlight innovative strategies that have optimised the customer journey, leading to increased engagement and commercial success. This track is for those who have effectively used their understanding of the market and customer needs to scale their business and achieve notable growth.

The Operators track seeks entries that showcase leadership in fostering innovation within their ecosystems. Ideal submissions will highlight how your initiatives have catalysed the creation of new products or services, bolstered by a culture that uplifts internal teams and the wider community. This track celebrates those who drive progress by empowering voices and forging transformative connections in their industry.

Categories

  • Always Evolving New

    Acknowledges a culture of continuous learning and improvement within a company, encourages employee development, and always looks for ways to optimise and innovate operations.

  • Big & Mighty Culture New

    Recognises companies (51-1000 employees) for their exceptional efforts in cultivating a culture that champions innovation.

  • Diverse Co.

    Celebrates workplaces dedicated to fostering innovation through a vibrant tapestry of diverse talents and perspectives.

  • Small & Mighty Culture New

    Applauds small teams of fewer than 50 employees for their remarkable ability to foster innovation and set new benchmarks in their domain.

  • Work Sweet Work

    Acknowledges companies that have achieved extraordinary employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, creating an exemplary workplace culture.

  • Company of the Year

    Honours an outstanding company that not only showcases exemplary leadership and resilience but also demonstrates a clear, quantifiable impact over the past year.

  • Customer Obsessed New

    Applauds prioritisation, understanding and meeting the needs and expectations of their customers, including feedback, personalised services and ensuring high satisfaction.

  • Defiant Ones

    Recognises firms that lead technological innovation, setting new standards and defining the future of their industries.

  • Hammer

    Celebrates companies that have not only defined success on their own terms but have also concretely demonstrated their triumphs over the past year.

  • I Wish I'd Done That

    Applauds ingenious, simple solutions in niche markets that spark a universal sentiment of admiration.

  • On the Rise

    Celebrates early-stage startups, under 4 years, that have shown remarkable progress and success in their initial years.

  • Prodigy

    Recognises young visionaries under 30 with outstanding talents and achievements, setting them apart in their fields.

  • Singularity

    Highlights AI-driven companies that are pioneering new services or integrating AI to create innovative products.

  • Women in Business

    Celebrates female entrepreneurs and leaders who are forging paths for future generations by creating more equitable opportunities.

  • B-Good

    Recognises businesses that redefine commercial success by positively transforming our economic system for the benefit of all stakeholders.

  • Circular Pioneer

    Celebrates companies at the forefront of circular economy practices, making substantial and sustainable differences.

  • Ethical Leadership New

    Commends companies exemplifying leadership in environmental and social governance, setting standards in corporate responsibility and ethical practices.

  • Going Green

    Acknowledges companies leading large-scale sustainable initiatives, addressing critical areas like clean energy and environmental justice.

  • Collab New

    Honours strategic partnerships and alliances with other businesses to leverage complementary strengths, access new markets, and share resources for synergistic growth and innovation.

  • Design First

    Celebrates companies where design is the heartbeat of innovation, engaging the whole team in crafting groundbreaking products.

  • Going Global New

    Applauds companies that have expanded their reach globally, showcasing exceptional growth and international success.

  • Great Pivot

    Acknowledges companies that adeptly navigate change, leveraging insights to pivot towards delivering outstanding products.

  • Movement

    Recognises unforgettable event experiences that resonate emotionally, drive social change, or achieve viral status.

  • New Model

    Honours businesses revolutionising markets with elegant and disruptive business models.

  • Next Level New

    Applauds companies which had successful strategic acquisition and integration of another entity, staff or an asset that allowed them to further grow and scale their services.

  • Wildfire

    Celebrates companies that have rapidly and significantly impacted their marketplace, online and offline, setting new standards for success.

  • Angel

    Honours visionary angel investors who've significantly contributed to early-stage startups, guiding them toward success.

  • C-Suite

    Recognises exceptional leadership qualities in high-ranking executives, showcasing their management and interpersonal excellence.

  • Creative Maverick New

    Honours unconventional thinkers with exceptional abilities to execute typically unimaginable initiatives, expertly coordinate teams, secure funding or successfully launch multiple ventures.

  • Ecosystem Star

    Celebrates individuals who energise and nurture their communities, fostering engagement and advocacy.

  • Future Builder

    Recognises the determination and resilience of founders who've embarked on the challenging journey of starting their own ventures.

  • Quiet Achiever New

    Applauds the unsung heroes whose behind-the-scenes efforts have led to flawless project executions and exceeded expectations.

  • Splash Down Under New

    Acknowledges international companies making a noteworthy entrance into the Australian market, enriching the local business ecosystem.

  • TopCoder

    Recognises developers for their outstanding technical skills, clean code, and collaborative spirit.

  • Venture Cap

    Salutes venture capital firms with a track record of backing transformative businesses, contributing significantly to Australia's economic growth.

  • Visionary New

    Recognises effective leadership by setting a clear vision, motivating the team, and making strategic decisions that guide their business towards its goals.

Pause Awards launch on 15 May 2024!
00d : 00h : 00m : 00s
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