The Smart50 Awards, Australia’s premier program celebrating growth, innovation and resilience in small and midsize enterprises (SMEs), are back. Entries are open to businesses that have a $500K yearly revenue and have been in operation for at least three years.
What can attendees expect from this year’s edition?
Now in its 15th year, The 2023 Smart50 edition concentrates on the award’s legacy of recognising small and midsize enterprises that continue to shape the Australian landscape. SmartCompany also revealed that last year’s Smart50 winners created 1,000 new jobs in FY 2021/22 and employed 2,430 Australians, while generating $690,552,293 in revenue.
In order to further celebrate Australia’s business all-stars, SmartCompany announced that a new ‘Smart and Lasting’ award will be awarded to a Smart50 finalist who has made the list multiple times in recent years and exemplifies resilience, community and innovation.
Commenting on the awards program, SmartCompany special features editor Ben Ice said that for 15 years, the Smart50 has uncovered Australia’s most resilient and innovative business talent. “A look back at previous winners is like reading an all-stars list of now-iconic Australian brands and cutting-edge disruptors. Who’ll join their ranks? We’ll be watching.“
Why are the Smart50 Awards so iconic?
Winners of previous Smart50s have outlined how much the awards contribute to their growth. Athan Didaskalou, co-founder, July, and winner at The Smart50 Awards 2022, said: “We had so much positive press as a result, and people we speak to still reference that win.”
Entry to the Smart50 now open at a discounted early-bird rate of $150 AUD + GST closes on 1 September 2023. Full price of $200 + GST closes on 8 September 2023. The Smart50 and category award winners will be revealed in Melbourne on the evening of 16 November. Smartcompany announced an extension for entries and the new deadline is 15 September.
Smart50 2023 partners include BlueRock and Fifo Capital.
