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Breakthrough

Join a free 7-week online learning on the go

We are thrilled to introduce the Breakthrough Sessions, a series of engaging, 30-minute online sessions starting on 6 September and...

3 September, 2024
Melbourne

Calling Melbourne — a significant player to enter!

We are embarking on a journey across Australia, visiting the home city of Melbourne to invite ambitious companies and visionary...

6 August, 2024
Hobart

Calling Hobart — an emerging hub to enter!

We are embarking on a journey across Australia, visiting the home city of Hobart to invite ambitious companies and visionary...

26 July, 2024
Judging Panel

Meet more judges and why they love Pause Awards

The Pause Awards 2024 continue to be a beacon of innovation and excellence, bringing together some of the most distinguished...

5 July, 2024
Marcella Romero

Marcella Romero’s Breakthrough Moment

Introducing Marcella Romero, Founder & CEO at Arriba Group, the winner of the Pause Awards 2023 in the ‘Women in...

9 May, 2024
Tanck

Redefining success with Angus and Neil of Tanck

Meet Angus Crowther and Neil Pharaoh, the dynamic co-founders of Tanck, a consultancy that has swiftly carved a niche in...

15 April, 2024
Brittany Garbutt

Brittany Garbutt’s breakthrough moment

Introducing Brittany Garbutt, the owner and Director of Pretzel Australia. She was the recipient of the Pause Awards 2023 in...

2 April, 2024
Wrap Fight

Fight Club and Zombie VCs

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

25 March, 2024
Addressing Gender Gap

Addressing gender inequality with 21.7% discount for female-led companies

In an era where the pursuit of equality in the workplace is more vital than ever, the Pause Awards takes...

8 March, 2024
Pause Awards at SXSW Sydney

Looking at 100 years from now in Solar, EVs and MedTech

Discover the insights from a panel discussion at SXSW Sydney featuring Slava Kozlovskii (Founder and CEO of evee), Professor Renate...

20 October, 2023
Visible Founders

Visible Founders puts a spotlight on migrant entrepreneurs

Enter the world of migrant entrepreneurs in “Visible Founders,” a groundbreaking docu-series by Anand Tamboli. In this exclusive interview with...

28 September, 2023
100

Always be closing & IPO, no?

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

24 September, 2023
Compass map Australia

How Pause Awards can put your brand on the map

Discover the unmatched influence of Pause Awards in bolstering brand reputation and how it serves as a reality-check for businesses...

30 August, 2023
Wrap 99

I got 99 problems

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

26 August, 2023
Pause Awards judges

The new faces of Pause Awards in business and the product officers

These are the final few impressive profiles of the Pause Awards 2023 judges. From tech titans at Amazon and fintech...

21 August, 2023
Stephen Hunt

Elevate your business with Stephen Hunt’s success secrets

Get to know Music Health, a venture-backed company that uses Precision Music® to enhance health and well-being. Learn about their...

31 July, 2023
DJ Equipment

Hit it, DJ! and other local newsings

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

24 July, 2023
Verve Super | Pause Awards Winner

Female-led ethical fintech Verve raises $3M for Verve Money

Verve, a multi-award-winning, female-focused fintech, just wrapped up a $3M pre-Series A funding round. Empowering women’s finances has never been...

21 July, 2023
Pause Fest 2020

Pause Fest’s BREAK–THROUGH SESSIONS will keep you scaling

Join the Pause Fest BREAK-THROUGH SESSIONS for an online growth festival like no other! Explore the latest in digital marketing,...

12 July, 2023
BODD Technologies

Mapping the future of fit and function

Dive into the journey of Bodd Technologies, the innovative company revolutionising the fit and wellness industry. Learn about their growth,...

23 June, 2023
Midnight Health

Midnight Health secures $24 million funding boost

Digital health provider Midnight Health announced today that it secured $24 million in Series B funding from nib holdings limited...

21 June, 2023
Mercedes F1 Petronas

Life in the fast (tech) lane

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

24 April, 2023
evee — Pause Awards 2022

evee rides the electric wave

Discover how evee, an Australian EV rental platform, secured a whopping $1.6 million in equity crowdfunding and plans to ride...

18 April, 2023
Circle In — Pause Awards 2022

Big win for the female-led business Circle In, lands $2 Million 

Circle In, an employee support platform, has landed $2 million in funding to expand its services beyond working parents, improving...

14 April, 2023
Nic Blair, Midnight Health

A passionate pursuit for Healthcare reinvention

Explore the fascinating world of Midnight Health as Nic Blair, Founder and CEO, shares his captivating experiences and invaluable wisdom...

4 April, 2023
SXSW Sydney

The game-changing sessions at SXSW Sydney

The Pause Awards has submitted three incredible session proposals for SXSW Sydney, and we need your support to bring these...

30 March, 2023
Louise Fisher, LunchFox

A journey to revolutionising healthy school lunches

An in-depth conversation with the inspiring entrepreneur behind the award-winning HealthTech startup LunchFox. After winning the coveted ‘I Wish I’d...

28 March, 2023
Music for wellness

Music for wellbeing:
The healing power of sound

Music has always been a powerful force in our lives. It can evoke memories, inspire emotions, and even change our...

20 January, 2023
wrapped 2022

How it started; How it’s going 2022

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

17 December, 2022
Breakfast with Champions AWS Startups

Learning from mistakes and how to tackle the upcoming headwind

We know that mistakes propel us forward, but how do we make them recognize them and learn from them ss...

14 December, 2022
Pause Awards Winner 2023

Women and purpose led businesses take the most wins at Pause Awards ‘22

The annual business awards programme for the most ambitious and forward-thinking companies, Pause Awards has announced 50 bold winners for...

6 December, 2022
Canva, Ignition Lane Wrap

Cash to splash & other VC news

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

2 October, 2022
Matt Vitale, Co-Founder Birchal

A word with Birchal’s Co-Founder – Matt Vitale

We’re less than 3 months away from our Awards Night. The nominations are pouring in, the judges are getting ready...

6 September, 2022
Peter Brennan, Heaps Norman and Analogue Digital

A word with Heaps Normal’s Head of Brand – Peter Brennan

By now you must be well versed with our community of champions and our commitment towards them. So in the...

9 August, 2022
Starward whiskey, award winner San Francisco

Venture snapshot: down but not out

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

26 July, 2022
Birchal founders, party, equity crowd sourcing

Best equity crowdfunding year in Australia – $86m!

Aussie equity crowdfunding has hit a new high, with $86 million raised from more than 43,000 investments in FY22 making...

22 July, 2022
newsroom, news, ecosystem, founder stories, insights, advice, product, growth, learnings

We’re giving a voice to our community with a stylish newsroom design

Pause Awards isn’t a single night or week of celebration. It’s a perennial reminder to uplift and highlight the ongoing...

10 July, 2022
George Hedon, Founder & CEO, Pause Awards

Our new vision:
The home for champions

You’ve seen the new website. You’ve heard how it was built. Now, it’s time to get down to the intent...

27 June, 2022
Haley Worley, Founder of The Sheet Society, winner Pause Awards 2021

The Sheet Society
– Success Stories

In the last 5 years, product innovation has transformed dramatically. Not only has it changed where shoppers spend their time...

17 June, 2022
Josh Howard | Pause Awards Judge

Single Use Ain’t Sexy
– Success Stories

According to WWF Australia, on average, Australians use 130kg of plastic per person each year. Less than 12% of that...

1 June, 2022

The most ambitious and forward-thinking companies in Australia revealed

In its fourth edition, the 2021 Pause Awards toast the bold individuals, startups, scaleups and large businesses for their outstanding...

24 November, 2021

Pause Awards 2021 Finalists Skyrocket

What a smashing year so far for the Pause Awards! This year’s awards program has almost double the entries, with...

17 November, 2021

Get to know:
Carolyn Breeze – Judge

Welcome to the Pause Awards show, where we invite past winners and future judges to talk about their journeys, inspirations...

24 August, 2021

Get to know:
Shamila Gopalan – Judge

Welcome to the Pause Awards show, where we invite past winners and future judges to talk about their journeys, inspirations...

10 August, 2021

Get to know:
Jules Brooke – Judge

Welcome to the Pause Awards show, where we invite past winners and future judges to talk about their journeys, inspirations...

26 July, 2021

The Reign in the North

For a sparsely populated country (5.4 million people spread over 338,424 kilometres) with average temperatures that hover around -20°C, with...

1 February, 2021

See 2024 Winners

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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.