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Terms & Conditions

How to enter
  1. Pause Awards is presented by Pause Festival Australia Pty Ltd (ACN: 622 294 946). By completing and submitting the online entry form contained at https://www.pauseawards.com and paying the Entry Fees, the applicant acknowledges receipt of and agrees to these Terms and Conditions.
  2. The individual submitting the entry on behalf of the entrant acknowledges and agrees that they hold the necessary authority to bind the entrant to these Terms and Conditions and agrees that an express agency relationship exists between the individual and the entrant.
  3. Once you have created an account, you agree to receive any and all promotional material from Pause Fest & Awards and any partners or sponsors of Pause Awards in accordance with Pause Awards’s Privacy Policy contained at https://www.pauseawards.com/privacy/ . You may unsubscribe from these at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” button contained in relevant correspondence.

Eligibility

4. Entry to Pause Awards is open to Australian residents who are over the age of 14 years and businesses and companies registered in Australia.

5. Certain Prize Categories have certain eligibility criteria which must be met separately to those contained in clause 4.

Entry Requirements

6. All entries must be submitted on behalf of an individual or a company using the online awards entry form located at pauseawards.com/enter. All written work must be submitted in English.

  1. The following information will be required from every applicant:
    (a) Personal details of entrant;
    (b) Company and business details;
    (c) Background of the business and story to date;
    (d) Business results between 1 January 2023 and 15 May 2024.
  1. An entrant may enter as many categories as they are eligible to enter, however the same application cannot be used in subsequent Pause Awards.

Competition Dates

9. Entry to the competition will commence on Wednesday 15 May 2024 and close: 

  1. for Launch Entrants at 11:59 pm on Friday 24 May 2024;
  2. for Early Entrants at 11:59 pm on Friday 14 June 2024; 
  3. for Standard Entrants at 11:59 pm on Friday 16 August 2024; and 
  4. for Late Entrants at 11:59pm on Friday 30 August 2024.

10. All entries must be received before 11:59 pm Australian Daylight Savings Time on 30 August 2024 to be considered.

11. Short-listed entrants (Finalists) will be announced by 2:00 pm on Monday 21 October 2023 and contacted by email.

12. Winners will be announced at the Pause Awards Night in person and on pauseawards.com.

13.The awards party is scheduled to occur on Monday 2 December 2024 at BOND Melbourne, subject to change.

14. Public Voting to start on 16 September 2024 and ends on Friday 18 October 2024 online.

Entry Fees

14. The entry fees are dependent on date of entry, as set out on the Pause Awards website. Any entrant deemed to have acted dishonestly when registering their entry will be contacted and may result in disqualification. Upon registration, entrants should ensure they enter the correct information.

All payments made to Pause Awards are final and non-refundable. It is the entrant’s responsibility to ensure submissions are completed by the stated deadlines. Refunds will not be issued for missed deadlines, incomplete submissions, technical issues not reported before the final deadline, or if the entrant is not selected as a finalist or winner. This policy ensures fairness and consistency for all participants.

15. Payment must be made through the online payment system on the Pause Awards website. Entrants will receive confirmation that their entry or entries have been successfully received via email once payment has been made. No other payment method will be accepted except at the discretion of Pause Fest.

Prize Categories

16. Pause Awards has five Category Tracks in which entrants can submit their applications. They are: Culture, Excellence, Good Growth and Operators. Under each track there are a number of individual categories with specific requirements.

17. CULTURE: 

The Culture track seeks entries that exemplify the development of an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture, crucial for organisational success and growth.

  1. 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.

18. Always Evolving 

  1. Acknowledges a culture of continuous learning and improvement within a company, encourages employee development, and always looks for ways to optimise and innovate operations.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

19. Diverse Co. 

  1. Celebrates workplaces dedicated to fostering innovation through a vibrant tapestry of diverse talents and perspectives.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

20. Big & Mighty Culture

  1. Recognises companies (51-1000 employees) for their exceptional efforts in cultivating a culture that champions innovation.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

21. Small & Mighty Culture

  1. Applauds small teams of fewer than 50 employees for their remarkable ability to foster innovation and set new benchmarks in their domain.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

22. Work sweet work 

  1. Acknowledges companies that have achieved extraordinary employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, creating an exemplary workplace culture.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

23. EXCELLENCE: 

The Excellence track celebrates businesses that have demonstrated remarkable success and impact within their industry, regardless of their size.

  1. 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.

24. Company of the Year

  1. This award recognises a company leadership, success, ambition to excel against all odds with the solid future development plans.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There will be one winner selected for this award category. 

25. Customer Obsessed

  1. Applauds prioritisation, understanding and meeting the needs and expectations of their customers, including feedback, personalised services and ensuring high satisfaction.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

26. Defiant Ones

  1. Recognises firms that lead technological innovation, setting new standards and defining the future of their industries.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

27. Hall of Fame 

  1. This award recognises a game-changer who paved the way by breaking new grounds and inventing new categories.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There will be one winner selected for this award category. 
  4. Winner will be decided internally.

28. Hammer 

  1. Celebrates companies that have not only defined success on their own terms but have also concretely demonstrated their triumphs over the past year. 
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

29. I Wish I’d Done That

  1. Applauds ingenious, simple solutions in niche markets that spark a universal sentiment of admiration.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

30. On the Rise

  1. Celebrates early-stage startups, under 4 years, that have shown remarkable progress and success in their initial years.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

31. Prodigy

  1. Recognises young visionaries under 30 with outstanding talents and achievements, setting them apart in their fields.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

32. Singularity

  1. Highlights AI-driven companies that are pioneering new services or integrating AI to create innovative products.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

33. Women in Business

  1. Celebrates female entrepreneurs and leaders who are forging paths for future generations by creating more equitable opportunities.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

34. GOOD: 

The Good track is focused on recognising companies dedicated to their mission of creating a positive societal impact.

  1. 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.

35. B-Good 

  1. Recognises businesses that redefine commercial success by positively transforming an economic system for the benefit of all stakeholders.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

36. Circular Pioneer 

  1. Celebrates companies at the forefront of circular economy practices, making substantial and sustainable differences.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

37. Going Green

  1. Acknowledges companies leading large-scale sustainable initiatives, addressing critical areas like clean energy and environmental justice.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

38. Ethical Leadership

  1. Commends companies exemplifying leadership in environmental and social governance, setting standards in corporate responsibility and ethical practices.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

39. ​​GROWTH: 

The Growth track is about showcasing how businesses have enhanced productivity and execution to make a significant impact in their market. 

  1. 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.

40. Collab 

  1. Honours strategic partnerships and alliances with other businesses to leverage complementary strengths, access new markets, and share resources for synergistic growth and innovation.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

41. Design First

  1. Celebrates companies where design is the heartbeat of innovation, engaging the whole team in crafting groundbreaking products.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

42. Going Global 

  1. Applauds companies that have expanded their reach globally, showcasing exceptional growth and international success.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

43. Great Pivot

  1. Acknowledges companies that adeptly navigate change, leveraging insights to pivot towards delivering outstanding products.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

44. Movement

  1. Recognises unforgettable experiences that resonate emotionally, drive social change, or achieve viral status.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

45. New Model

  1. Honours businesses revolutionising markets with elegant and disruptive business models.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

46. Next Level 

  1. 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.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

47. Pioneer 

  1. Recognises a company that has broken into the market with a new product line never seen before, creating a new category.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

48. Wildfire 

  1. Celebrates companies that have rapidly and significantly impacted their marketplace, online and offline, setting new standards for success.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Companies.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

49. OPERATORS: 

The Operators track seeks entries that showcase leadership in fostering innovation within their ecosystems.

  1. 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.

50. Angel 

  1. Honours visionary angel investors who’ve significantly contributed to early-stage startups, guiding them toward success.
  2. This award will be open to entries from individuals.
  3. There will be one winner selected for this award category. 
  4. Winner will be decided through Public Vote.

51. Creative Maverick

  1. Honours unconventional thinkers with exceptional abilities to execute typically unimaginable initiatives, expertly coordinate teams, secure funding or successfully launch multiple ventures. 
  2. This award will be open to entries from Individuals.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

52. C-Suite

  1. Recognises exceptional leadership qualities in high-ranking executives, showcasing their management and interpersonal excellence.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Individuals.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

53. Ecosystem star

  1. Celebrates individuals who energise and nurture their communities, fostering engagement and advocacy.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Individuals.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

54. Future Builder 

  1. Recognises the determination and resilience of founders who’ve embarked on the challenging journey of starting their own ventures.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Individuals.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

55. Quiet Achiever

  1. Applauds the unsung heroes whose behind-the-scenes efforts have led to flawless project executions and exceeded expectations.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Individuals.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

56. TopCoder

  1. Recognises developers for their outstanding technical skills, clean code, and collaborative spirit.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Individuals.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

57. Splash Down Under

  1. Acknowledges international companies making a noteworthy entrance into the Australian market, enriching the local business ecosystem.
  2. This award will be open to entries from Individuals.
  3. There are no set number winners selected for this award category. 

58. Venture Cap

  1. Salutes venture capital firms with a track record of backing transformative businesses, contributing significantly to Australia’s economic growth.
  2. This award will be open to entries from individuals.
  3. There will be one winner selected for this award category. 
  4. Winner will be decided through Public Vote.

59. Visionary

  1. Recognises effective leadership by setting a clear vision, motivating the team, and making strategic decisions that guide their business towards its goals.
  2. This award will be open to entries from individuals.
  3. There will be one winner selected for this award category. 
  4. Winner will be decided through Public Vote.

60. Performance based categories are:

  1. People’s Choice, Angel and Venture Cap; voted by the public only.
  2. Diamond, the best in show. 
  3. Hall of Fame, for lifetime achievement is nominated internally. 
  4. Grand Prix, for the best in category; and
  5. Champion, the best in each Category Track: Culture, Excellence, Good, Growth and Operators. 
  6. There will be one winner selected for those award categories. 
  7. Winner will be decided internally.

61. The competition will be conducted during the competition period from 12:00 am on Monday 16 September and Friday 13 October 2024.

Prize

62. The Prize will consist of: 

  1. Winner packs: Starter and Pro;
  2. In (free) Starter pack: Winner interview, lifetime listing in Pause Index, Unlimited trademark sharing, Promo badges, inclusion on Top10 list, event photo and video and content contributing writer.
  3. In (paid) Pro pack: All from Starter, plus: Pause Awards Designer Trophy™, two certificates and Investable Score™ certificate.
  4. The cost of a Pro pack depends on the company size.
    1. $450 for Startup (1-2 people)
    2. $550 for Startup (4-10 people)
    3. $650 for Startup (11-20 people)
    4. $750 for Startup (21-100 people)
    5. $950 for Startup (100+ people)
    6. $350 for additional packs
  5. All Finalists get opportunity to purchase tickets to the Pause Awards Night & Afterparty

63. Additionally, Prize Winners may be invited to:

  1. speaking at Pause Awards and related partner events; or 
  2. providing media interviews.

Judges

64. Pause Awards will appoint minimum 30 senior industry experts as judges from Australia, and abroad to judge in their segment of expertise. Judges will be split into two groups, the first round judges will decide upon the Finalist entrants, whilst the Judging Board with a Co-Chairs, will select the winners from the Finalist.

  1. Names, biographies, and portraits of judges will be made public on the awards website, and everyone will have their personal profile page.
  2. Pause Awards will organise, select and manage the judges, which will be instructed to act without bias or favour. If a judge faces a potential conflict of interest, they will be assigned to a different category. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding their decisions or decision-making processes.

Judge Expectations

65. This are the basic judge expectations and requirements:

  1. Judging will take place from 21 September to 24 October 2024.
  2. Judges are expected to dedicate approximately 8-10 hours to judging.
  3. All judges must have a minimum of 5 years of industry experience.
  4. Judges can choose to judge as many tracks as they wish.
  5. Judging is conducted online and anonymously.

Judge Benefits

66. Judges must judge at least 50% of all entries to receive the following benefits:

  1. Profile Page: A personal profile page on the awards website.
  2. Content Submission: Opportunity to submit content to our blog for a year.
  3. Speaking Opportunity: Invitation to speak at Pause Fest online.
  4. Featured Article: Featured in an article from the online event.
  5. Exposure: Exposure to inspiring submissions.
  6. Community Membership: Membership in our ambitious community.
  7. Networking Opportunities: Networking with business champions and legends.
  8. Industry Recognition: Recognition as an industry leader.
  9. Discount on Entries: 30% discount on entry submissions.
  10. Judges who evaluate 80% of all entries will receive the premium benefit of a free ticket to the Awards Night & Afterparty.

Judging Process

67. Judging will take place in three distinct stages.

  1. The Qualify-Stage will be completed by Pause Awards staff to confirm eligibility of each entrant for each category, noting that certain Prize Categories have certain eligibility criteria which must be met or perhaps some information is missing (for example, a company cannot be selected for an individual award).
  2. The 1st Round of short-listing will be completed by a panel of judges, who will assess each entry independently and anonymously against a predetermined and consistent criteria for the relevant prize category and assign a score between 1 and 10 to each entrant. This scoring will identify suggested award winners.
  3. The 2nd Round for finalists will be completed by a panel of 5 judges in the Judging Board with a Chair who will assess the short-listed entrants against the scoring in the short-listing stage and ratify, amend or confirm the scoring in an open dialogue.

Marketing Rights

68. By submitting an entry to Pause Awards, the entrant grants Pause Awards the right to promote its association with the entrant.

Revocation of the Pause Award

69. Pause Awards may, in its sole discretion and without reference to a Prize Winner, revoke any entry which has been awarded if Pause Awards believes that the conduct, business practices, or association with the Prize Winner has become detrimental to Pause Awards.

70. Pause Awards may choose to issue any release, press release, statement or otherwise engage in the public domain in respect of any Prize Winner without reference to that Prize Winner if in the sole discretion of Pause Awards, to not do so would cause irreparable harm to the Pause Awards brand.

Intellectual Property Rights

71. By submitting an entry to Pause Awards, the entrant grants Pause Awards a royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive and fully sub-licensable licence to use, reproduce, publish, distribute, perform, or display the entrant’s image, logo, trademarks, and marketing material for any purpose, in whole or in part, in any form, including for the promotion of Pause Awards, and to allow third parties to publish this content where they do so in association with Pause Awards.

Limitation of Liability

72. Pause Awards reserves the right to cancel or amend Pause Awards and these terms and conditions at any time.

  1. Pause Awards will not be liable to applicants for any consequential losses (i.e. loss of revenue, loss of business, loss of goodwill, loss or damage to data or information) arising out of, or in connection with, the provision of the service of publishing your entry on the Pause Awards website.
  2. Pause Awards may assert its rights or obligations under these terms at any time. You may not assert your rights or obligations under these terms without Pause Awards’s prior written consent. Pause Awards will not be liable for failure to meet its obligations under these terms if it is prevented from doing so due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

73. The Pause Awards accepts no responsibility for late, lost, incomplete, incorrectly submitted, delayed, illegible, corrupted or misdirected entries, claims or correspondence whether due to error, omission, alteration, tampering, deletion, theft, destruction, transmission interruption, communications failure or otherwise. The Pause Awards has no control over communications networks or services, the internet, or computer or telephone networks or lines and accepts no responsibility for any problems associated with them. The Pause Awards is not liable for any consequences of user error including (without limitation) costs incurred. Any form of automated entry using any device software is invalid.

Privacy Policy

74. Entrants acknowledge and agree that their personal information will be handled in accordance with Pause Awards’s Privacy Policy located at pauseawards.com/privacy

See 2024 Winners

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.