Growth | SmartCompany

Funday takes its Aussie lollies to 1,300 Target stores in the US

Morganne Kopittke — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:16:36 +0000

Melbourne-founded confectionery brand Funday will launch in 1,300 Target stores across the US after reaching $100 million in sales over the past year.

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Noosa dessert business Happy Pops bursts into franchising

Morganne Kopittke — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:52:31 +0000

Australian dessert brand Happy Pops is taking its first steps into the franchise world, opening a new Toowoomba store at a secret location.

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Chris Hemsworth joins Aussie distiller Archie Rose as co-owner

Eloise Keating — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 04:26:12 +0000

The new partnership with Hemsworth will see Archie Rose take its locally made spirits to the US for the first time later this year.

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Escape room startup Escape This hits 500,000 players as it plots national expansion

Morganne Kopittke — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:15:19 +0000

Escape room operator Escape This has passed 500,000 players as it expands from its home state into a growing national footprint.

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Picklr makes dinky di play for Aussie pickleball market with first Sydney club

Morganne Kopittke — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:17:05 +0000

The Picklr venue at Cronulla will serve as the US company's flagship location in Australia.

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Australian Business Growth Fund doubles first cheque size to $30 million

Eloise Keating — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 03:39:46 +0000

The expanded investment mandate will see the Australian Business Growth Fund back more growing SMEs, says its CEO.

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How an outsider created one of Australia’s biggest modern game exports – and a cure for loneliness

Simon Jones — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 03:51:59 +0000

In search of a new way to bring people together in an increasingly lonely modern world, Steven Medway came up with an idea that would change millions of lives. Built on word of mouth, Blood on the Clocktower is now an international sensation.

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Elite Eleven doubles down on bricks-and-mortar with its biggest store yet

Rebel Wylie — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:33:54 +0000

Elite Eleven is opening its biggest concept store at Highpoint, marking the latest chapter in the activewear brand's rapid retail expansion.

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“You’re going to be left behind”: Why SMEs need to prepare for agentic commerce

Pearl Bendle — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Agentic commerce could fundamentally change how customers discover and buy from businesses. Here's what SMEs need to know about preparing for the next wave of AI-powered payments.

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Why good intentions aren’t enough: Five lessons on building inclusive businesses

Pearl Bendle — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:15:52 +0000

From accessible product design to community consultation, business leaders at a Mastercard-hosted Growth Summit roundtable shared practical lessons on turning inclusion from a corporate aspiration into meaningful action.

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