The AusMumpreneur Conference and AusMumpreneur Awards are all about supporting Australian mums in business. This event provides a unique opportunity for women from all over Australia to come together to promote their business, connect with fellow mums in business and celebrate!

So is 2024 your year to shine?

WHY AWARDS ARE GREAT FOR BUSINESS

Entering awards are an incredible way to raise your profile and really boost your business. According to a research study by Hendricks & Singhal, companies that win awards experience an average of 37 percent growth in sales! And that’s just one of the benefits you can find from being a part of an awards program like the AusMumpreneur Awards

We asked our community about why they enter awards and if they found it worthwhile and here’s what they told us:

“Entering and attending the Ausmum Awards brought an increase in collaboration, networking, friendships, recognition and professionalism to my start up business which has been invaluable to my brand awareness and overall success.”
Nicole Gibson Söka Australia

“Awards are pivotal for business, much like positive referrals and feedback they can also be the lifeblood of success!”
Michelle Pascoe, Optimum operating procedures and systems

“Entering awards helps to boost your personal brand and provide a visual credibility to your hard work behind the scenes.”
Emma Heuston-Lavack, The Remote Expert

“I think the most significant benefit of entering awards is the focus it makes you put on your business practices.”
Brenda Thompson, Synergy48 Group

“I felt doubly validated from being part of the awards program. Not only did it increase my credibility with the brands I work with and pitch to but it also gave me more confidence in rating my own ability. I struggle with imposter syndrome and as much as I shouldn’t need self-validation, I sometimes do. Also, when we work for ourselves, many of us as sole traders, it can be rare to receive feedback on how we’re doing. External recognition is very motivating and the awards really gave that to me and drove me to keep going.” Mim Jenkinson, Love from Mim

“Entering awards gives you credibility… you make amazing friends and networking is a plus. Your name is put up in lights… your clients are proud of you… and it is a pat on the back that when working for yourself you never really get. Being part of ausmums was one of the best things i ever did for myself and my business.”
Kelly McDonald, Garden Babies Fairy Art

“Being a finalist last year for Regional Business award was an amazing experience! My customers, friends, family and local media were so supportive, it was mind blowing! I loved networking with amazing Mumpreneurs and the best part at the end was that I found a fabulous mentor!”
Johanna Constable, Pilanky

“Benefits for me have been upping my profile by winning an award in 2017, collaborating with the wonderful Karen McD, meeting my mentor And carving beautiful friendships.. life long ones!” Katharine Rattray Kat & Fox

“I think entering awards gives you the opportunity to reflect. Whilst it can be a bit confronting to try and sell yourself, at the end of the process it’s nice to be able to see exactly what you’ve achieved, and to be proud of it!” Melissa Daniels Meld Business Services

“I won a large national award last year which has opened doors for international meetings and collaborations. I’m visiting USA/Canada later in the year meeting with relevant organisations who have agreed to meet with me… it’s less risky for them to agree when I have this big award behind me. Other awards in past years have meant an increase in profile which has been beneficial in being seen as an expert and invited to do ‘expert related’ activities such as adjudicating national awards, presenting etc. Most important though I found is that by entering awards, it helps me establish and change the perception I have of myself. I’ve found that I have had a ‘lesser’ perception of myself than others have and applying helps me ‘step into’ that space and see myself and my product differently.” Katy Abbott www.katyabbott.com

“I am so proud to have been part of the AusMumpreneur community for the past 3 years. I’ve met some extraordinary business owners and made valuable connections and friendships. It was such a thrill to be nominated, become a finalist and winner 2 years running and OMG the excitement and pride in receiving Gold for ‘Business Excellence’ in 2018 was beyond fabulous. Honoured to be taking part again in 2019, this time on the other side as a judge. Can’t wait to learn about some of the amazing women in the running this year, such a privilege!” Emma McNeilly, Expressions Australia

FAQs

Can I enter more than one category? Yes.

Do I have to be a member of AusMumpreneur to be nominated? No. Anyone can nominate or be nominated  

Can I nominate my own business or does someone else have to nominate me? Yes you can nominate yourself.  

How do I nominate? You can nominate your own business or a business you love, by filling out the form above. You or the business owner you have nominated will then be sent an email with the details to complete the awards application form  

When do nominations close? Nominations close at midnight on 9 June 2024 

Do I have to go to the awards? Judging will be held online through zoom so attending the awards will not be compulsory.  However we would love to see you at the event if possible it’s an important part of the awards experience and community.

Why is there an entry fee? The AusMumpreneur Awards are an independent awards event to celebrate Mums in Business we don’t have a large corporate brand behind us like other awards. The entry fees help to pay our staff for the awards period and the cost towards organising this events. Some business awards cost over $600 to enter, so $150 is a reasonable price for an entry fee. We knew some business owners would feel they couldn’t afford it, but we released that perhaps those people would be better off applying next year or when their business was ready to pay the entry fee. The entry fee also includes a press release template valued at $299 and $5 from each entry goes towards providing scholarships for deserving women to attend the event.  

How much does it cost to enter the awards? It’s free to nominate but to enter your application there is an admin fee of $150 to help cover the costs of processing applications. This fee also gives you access to networking with your fellow nominees in the private group as well as a press release template for you to send to your local media. $5 from every awards entry goes towards supporting the AusMumpreneur Scholarship program. The AusMumpreneur Scholarship program enables deserving mums in business to attend the AusMumpreneur Conference who would otherwise not have been able to afford to.  

Do I have to display the awards banner on my website? Yes. Displaying the banner and linking to www.ausmumpreneur.com is a condition of entry.  

When is the awards night and where is it being held? The AusMumpreneur Awards gala dinner is happening on 16 August 2024 at the Pullman Albert Park in Melbourne

Should I contact my local media? Yes. All nominees are encouraged to contact their local media and we will provide you with a media release template. Please let us know if someone runs your story. Finalists and winners must also be available for any media inquiries and interviews in the lead-up and following the AusMumpreneur Awards.  

If my friends are too busy to vote, can I vote for them? No. Only one vote per person is allowed, voting for anyone else or voting more than once is cheating and may result in your profile being paused or disqualification.  

How are finalists selected? In the judged categories finalists are selected by a panel of judges based on responses to questions. The top 10 finalists are then required to be interviewed and winners and place getters in each category are determined by a panel of 3 independent judges. People’s Choice finalists are determined by public voting.

Do people’s choice finalists have interviews? No. People’s Choice winners are the person in each category with the most votes at the end of voting.  

During people’s choice voting is it ok to run promotions? Yes. However we do ask that discounts, special offers, prizes etc are drawn randomly as a general thank you for support from ALL fans/customers/supporters rather than just those who have voted. AusMumpreneur takes no responsibility for any promotions held by any nominees, finalists or individuals.