The 2026 Smart50 Awards category finalists, revealed
The category finalists for the 2026 Smart50 Awards have been revealed. Find out which fast-growing businesses are in the running.
It’s that time of the year when we get to announce the category finalists for the annual Smart50 Awards, and the 2026 finalist list is one of our biggest yet.
Join us for the Smart50 Awards gala event in Melbourne on November 12. Tickets are now on sale.
Each year, the Smart50 Awards recognise Australia’s fastest-growing businesses and their inspirational founders.
Alongside the headline Smart50 list, the Smart50 categories highlight some of the country’s brightest businesses, with awards presented for innovation, retail excellence and marketing prowess.
The category awards also acknowledge the way businesses give back to their communities, the way they look after their staff, and the leading role they play in sustainability initiatives.
The Rising Star category celebrates fast-growing businesses that have been operating for less than three years, the Smart & Lasting award goes to a business that has made the Smart50 list in multiple years, and the Founder of the Year honour recognises outstanding leadership.
The Founder of the Year category will be decided by a public vote, which is now open.
Judges will consider the shortlisted entries in all other categories before the 2026 Smart50 Awards night, where the Smart50 list and category winners will be announced.
Tickets to the Melbourne gala event on November 12, 2026, are now available.
Congratulations to all the businesses shortlisted this year!
The finalists are:
Community Hero
Sponsored by CreditorWatch
Celebrates a business that has supported its clientele or wider community.
- CJC Management
- Pest2Kill
Export Award
This award celebrates businesses taking their goods and services to the world stage.
- The Laundry Lady
- splose
Founder of the Year
Sponsored by Optus
Have you led your business to something great? This one’s for you.
- Hayley Bertram, founder and CEO, Earth and Skin
- Jamie Marciniak, founder and CEO, Electrify Me
- Gary Journeaux, founder and CEO, Commercial Pest Services
- Trent Kevin Mclaren, co-founder, Vinyl
- Nick Boucher, co-founder and CEO, Karmo
- Raffy Sgroi, co-founder and CEO, Car Mechanical Services
- Bernie Janes, founder and CEO, Escape This
- Ben Simpson, founder and CEO, Collective Shift
- Nicholas Sanderson, founder and CEO, splose
- Aaron Bassin, co-founder and CEO, Bridgit
- Cyana Duong, co-founder, Camie Fleur
The winner of the Founder of the Year category will be decided by a public vote. Cast your vote now.
Innovator Award
Sponsored by Mastercard
Celebrates initiatives that spark progressive change in an industry through disruptive strategies, digital solutions or original ideas.
- Frasé Skin
- splose
- The Sneaker Laundry
- Umall
- Karmo
- STRONG Pilates
- Kismet
- Bridgit
- Taskforce
- Concrete Busters
- Hello Clever
Marketing Award
Sponsored by Michu Pet Supplies
Recognises the most impressive marketing campaign from an Australian SME this year.
- Cubic Promote
- Pest2Kill
- Interscale
- Escape This
People Power
This award celebrates a small business with an enlightened and supportive approach to its people and culture.
- HumanX
- In The Media PR
- Pest2Kill
- Equality Media + Marketing
- Access Offshoring
- splose
- The Media Store
Regional Business Award
This award celebrates thriving businesses in regional Australia.
- The Laundry Lady
- Teeny Tiny Homes
- Ramp Advisory Partners
- Seed & Sprout
Resilience Award
Sponsored by Mastercard
Recognises a business that has shown adaptability and leadership.
- Simplex Waste Solutions
- Car Mechanical Services
- Escape This
- In The Media PR
Retailer of the Year
Sponsored by Lightspeed
This award celebrates innovations in product offerings and outstanding customer service.
- Forest Super Foods
- The Sneaker Laundry
- Umall
- Seed & Sprout
Rising Star Award
Sponsored by ASBFEO
Recognises the achievements of high-growth startups younger than three years.
- Vela Estate
- Doccy
- Mastering the Markets
- Hypergen
- Vinyl
- Smart Suites
- The Pillars
- Vital Dental and Medical Centre
- Tonic Technologies
- See Me Please
- Modical Scrubs
Sustainability Award
Recognises a business initiative that supports environmental conservation or advocacy.
- Joonya
- Earth and Skin
- Simplex Waste Solutions
- Platypus Dental Group
- Camie Fleur
- Planet Protector Group
Smart & Lasting Award
Our ‘hall of fame’ award, recognising the achievements of Australian businesses over multiple Smart50 award years.
- BI3 Technologies
- Equality Media + Marketing
- STRONG Pilates
- The Laundry Lady
- Taskforce
Tickets to the Smart50 Awards in Melbourne on November 12 are now available.
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