Now in its 18th year, the 2026 Smart50 Awards are open for entries, with the fastest-growing SME on this year’s Smart50 list set to take home the biggest prize in the awards’ history.
The Smart50 list is SmartCompany’s annual ranking of Australia’s 50 fastest-growing SMEs, highlighting the companies achieving exceptional growth and shaping the future of Australian business.
The Australian business that secures the first position on the 2026 Smart50 list will receive a $50,000 prize package that includes a feature segment on the next season of Kochie’s Business Builders TV show on the Seven Network, professional social media videos and photography, social media amplification and a feature article on SmartCompany.
A business must enter the Smart50 Awards to be considered for the 2026 Smart50 list.
The Smart50 category awards
The Smart50 category awards recognise standout businesses for their innovation, contributions to the community, early-stage success, and more.
The 11 categories celebrate the positive and inspirational contributions of growing businesses beyond pure financial performance, and offer a chance to showcase the great work Australian businesses have been doing over the last 12 months. These categories are:
- Sustainability Award
- Community Hero Award
- Marketing Award (Sponsored by Michu Pet Supplies)
- Retailer of the Year Award (Sponsored by Lightspeed)
- Resilience Award (Sponsored by Mastercard)
- Export Award
- Innovator Award (Sponsored by Mastercard)
- Rising Star Award (Sponsored by ASBFEO)
- Regional Business Award
- People Power Award
- Founder of the Year Award (Sponsored by Optus)
The full eligibility criteria can be found here.
To enter the awards, click here.
Important dates and information
Entry deadline: Monday, August 31, 2026
Late entry deadline: Friday, September 4, 2026
Category finalists announced: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Gala event: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Entry cost: $200 + GST
Late entry cost: $250 + GST
For further information about the awards, the list or sponsorship, please contact events@smartcomedia.com.au
Supporting partner
Gold partner
Category sponsors
