Australian Small Business Champion Awards
Celebrating the businesses that power Australia’s economy
The Australian Small Business Champion Awards are the country’s premier awards program dedicated exclusively to small business. Designed to recognise excellence, resilience and leadership, these awards celebrate the vision and commitment of business owners across Australia, from local champions to national standouts.
With 109 categories across a wide range of industries, the program offers small businesses a rare opportunity to gain national recognition, benchmark performance, and showcase what makes them exceptional.
Why Enter the Small Business Champion Awards?
A powerful planning exercise: The submission process encourages meaningful reflection on what your business does well — and where it can grow.
- Benchmark against your peers: Measure your performance against other businesses in your industry.
- Build credibility: Being named a finalist or winner strengthens trust with customers and the broader community.
- Boost internal morale: Recognition can significantly lift staff pride, engagement and retention.
- National exposure: Finalists and winners benefit from media coverage and promotional opportunities.
- No entry fee: A rare opportunity to gain recognition without a financial barrier.
Who Can Enter?
Entries are open to Australian small businesses across retail, service and manufacturing sectors.
Eligibility criteria:
- Retail or service businesses with 40 employees or fewer
- Manufacturing businesses with 100 employees or fewer
(Eligibility is based on equivalent full-time positions.)
Categories Include
- Financial Services
- Business Services
- Digital Marketing
- Educational Services
- Health Improvement Services
- Information Technology
- Professional Services
- Trade Services
- And many more!
Key Dates:
- Entries open: Now
- Entries close: 2 March 2026
- Finalists announced: 16 March 2026
- Awards presentation: 4 May 2026
If you’re proud of what you’ve built — and want that recognised on a national stage — the Small Business Champion Awards are a smart place to start. Choosing the right category and telling your story clearly can make all the difference.
Book a free discovery call to plan your entry, or explore more awards in our Award Hub.
Not sure if your business is ready to enter awards? Take our quiz and find out!
