AUSMUMPRENEUR AWARDS 2026

THE TOP 10 MAJOR AWARDS

These awards represent the highest level of recognition within the AusMumpreneur Awards, celebrating exceptional leadership, innovation, impact and business excellence across Australia.

1. AusMumpreneur of the Year
The highest honour recognising an exceptional business owner demonstrating sustained success, leadership, growth and impact over time.

2. Rising Star AusMumpreneur of the Year
Celebrating emerging entrepreneurs demonstrating strong growth, innovation, leadership and exciting future potential.

3. Business Excellence of the Year
Recognising outstanding business performance across leadership, customer impact, innovation and commercial success.

4. Women Changing the World of the Year
Honouring purpose-driven leaders creating meaningful social, community or global impact through business, advocacy or social enterprise.

5. Global Brand of the Year
Recognising businesses successfully expanding their reach, visibility and influence beyond Australia.

6. Digital & Tech Innovation of the Year
Celebrating businesses leveraging technology, digital platforms, innovation or AI to create growth and industry impact.

7. Product Innovation of the Year
Recognising product-based businesses bringing exceptional originality, innovation, design and market impact.

8. Service Business of the Year
Celebrating excellence in service-based businesses delivering exceptional client outcomes and customer experience.

9. Creative Entrepreneur of the Year
Recognising founders in creative industries building impactful, innovative and commercially successful brands.

10. Regional & Remote Business of the Year
Honouring outstanding businesses thriving in regional, rural and remote communities acrossAustralia.

 

Judged Categories:

AUSMUMPRENEUR AWARDS 2026

MAJOR AWARDS

AusMumpreneur of the Year
Recognising an exceptional business owner with 5+ years of sustained success, leadership, and impact.

Rising Star AusMumpreneur of the Year
Recognising an outstanding entrepreneur in business 2–5 years demonstrating strong growth, leadership, and future potential.

Business Excellence of the Year Award
For businesses demonstrating outstanding performance across growth, innovation, leadership, and customer impact.

Women Changing the World of the Year Award

For individuals creating meaningful impact through business, social enterprise, or non-profit work.

Service Business of the Year Award
Recognising outstanding service-based businesses delivering exceptional client outcomes.

Global Brand of the Year Award
For businesses successfully scaling internationally across multiple markets.

Digital Innovation of the Year Award
For businesses leveraging technology, platforms, or digital solutions to drive growth and innovation.

Product Innovation of the Year Award
For businesses developing original and innovative products.

Creative Entrepreneur of the Year Award
For businesses in creative industries demonstrating innovation and commercial success.

Regional & Remote Business of the Year Award
Recognising outstanding businesses operating in regional, rural, or remote communities.

General Judged Categories:

BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP EXCELLENCE

Emerging AusMumpreneur of the Year
Recognising an exceptional founder in business under 2 years showing early traction, innovation, and promise.

Business Evolution Award
Recognising businesses that have successfully adapted, transformed, or reinvented their model to achieve growth.

Startup of the Year Award (NEW)
For high-growth startups demonstrating rapid traction, scalability, and market disruption.

One to Watch Award
For pre-launch or early-stage founders with a bold, innovative, and scalable business concept.

IMPACT, PURPOSE & LEADERSHIP

Overcoming the Odds Award
Recognising resilience, courage, and achievement in the face of significant challenges.

Women’s Champion Award
For leaders actively empowering, employing, or advancing other women.

Sustainability & Impact Award
For businesses demonstrating leadership in sustainability, ethical practices, and environmental or social impact.

Social Enterprise Award
For businesses where purpose and profit are equally prioritised to create measurable social impact.

Non Profit Excellence Award
This award recognises established (5 years+) non profits, NGOs or charity founders

Emerging Non Profit Excellence Award
This award recognises early stage (under 5 years) non profits, NGOs or charity founders

Community Impact Award
For businesses making a significant contribution to their local community.

INCLUSION & REPRESENTATION

Indigenous Business Excellence Award
Recognising outstanding businesses led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

Disability Leadership in Business Award
Recognising entrepreneurs with lived experience of disability achieving excellence in business.

Multicultural Business Excellence Award
Recognising businesses led by women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

LGBTQIA+ Business Excellence Award
Recognising LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs achieving outstanding success and impact.

PRODUCT, CREATIVE & RETAIL INDUSTRIES

Product Design Award
For excellence in product design, functionality, and user experience.

Sustainable Product Award
For products designed with sustainability and ethical practices at their core.

Fashion & Apparel Award
For businesses creating original fashion or wearable collections.

Handcrafted & Artisan Business Award
For handmade businesses demonstrating creativity, craftsmanship, and growth.

Retail Business Award
For excellence in retail operations, customer experience, and commercial success.

E-Commerce Excellence Award
For online stores demonstrating outstanding growth, user experience, and digital performance.

INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE

Consulting & Advisory Services Award
For businesses providing expert advice, strategy, or specialist consulting.

Service Business Award (B2B)
Recognising outstanding service-based businesses delivering exceptional client outcomes.

Coaching & Personal Development Award
For businesses delivering transformational coaching or personal development programs.

Education & Training (Professional) Award (NEW)
Recognising businesses delivering professional education, certification, or career-based training.

Financial Services Business Award
For excellence in financial services, advisory, or financial education.

Legal Services Award
For excellence in legal services, advocacy, or advisory.

Marketing & Communications Award
For outstanding performance in marketing, branding, or communications.

Virtual Business Services Award
For businesses providing remote or digital support services.

Franchise Business Award (NEW)
Recognising outstanding franchise business owners who demonstrate excellence in leadership, operational performance, customer experience, and business growth within a franchise model.

DIGITAL, MEDIA & INNOVATION

Online Education & Training Award
For businesses delivering impactful digital learning experiences.

Online Community & Membership Award
For businesses building engaged, scalable communities.

Podcast & Media Excellence Award
For high-quality podcasts or digital media platforms with strong audience engagement.

Content Creator / Influencer Business Award (NEW)
For creators building impactful, monetised digital brands.

HEALTH, WELLBEING & LIFESTYLE

Health Business Award

For businesses supporting physical health.

Wellbeing Business Award
For businesses supporting physical, mental, or emotional wellbeing.

Therapy & Counselling Services Award
For excellence in mental health and therapeutic services.

Beauty & Skincare Innovation Award
For innovation in beauty, skincare, or cosmetic products.

Hair & Beauty Business Award
For excellence in service-based beauty businesses.

Personal Services Award
For businesses delivering high-quality personal or lifestyle services.

EDUCATION, FAMILY & SPECIALISED INDUSTRIES

Children’s Education Award
For businesses supporting learning and development for children.

Children’s Activities Award
For businesses supporting activities, play and development programs for children.

Children’s Wellness & Wellbeing Award
For businesses supporting children’s wellness & wellbeing.

Events & Experiences Award
For businesses delivering outstanding events, retreats, or experiences.

Animal Care Award
For businesses supporting animal wellbeing and care.

Industry, Trades & Infrastructure Award
For businesses in construction, trades, manufacturing, or infrastructure.

Food & Beverage Business Award
For businesses creating exceptional food or beverage products or experiences.

Parenting & Family Services Award (NEW)
Recognising businesses supporting families through childcare, parenting services, or family-focused solutions.

Restaurant & Café Excellence Award (NEW)
Recognising restaurants, cafés, and hospitality venues delivering exceptional food, service, customer experience, and business performance.

Travel & Tourism Business Award (NEW)
Recognising businesses in travel, tourism, or hospitality experiences delivering exceptional customer experiences and industry impact.

Property & Real Estate Business Award (NEW)
Recognising businesses operating in real estate, property development, property management, or short-term accommodation delivering strong commercial and client outcomes.

CREATIVE & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Author Award

For authors creating impact through ideas, storytelling, and influence.

Thought Leader Award
For Thought Leaders creating impact through ideas, storytelling, and influence.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS – (PUBLIC VOTE)

Influencer of the Year
Leader of the Year
Customer Experience Award
E-Commerce Brand of the Year
Product of the Year
Business Coach of the Year

Making a Difference – Business
Making a Difference – Non-Profit
Making a Difference – Social Enterprise
Making a Difference – Global Impact
Making a Difference – Community Impact

WHICH CATEGORY SHOULD I ENTER?

A simple guide to help you choose the right fit

STEP 1: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

This determines your primary category

• Less than 2 years → Emerging AusMumpreneur of the Year
• 2 – 5 years → Rising Star AusMumpreneur of the Year
• 5+ years → AusMumpreneur of the Year

💡 You can enter additional categories beyond this.

STEP 2: WHAT TYPE OF BUSINESS DO YOU HAVE? 

Choose the category that best reflects how you generate revenue

STEP 3: DO YOU CREATE IMPACT?

STEP 3: DO YOU CREATE IMPACT?

You may also be eligible for:

• Women Changing the World Award
• Social Enterprise Award
• Sustainability & Impact Award
• Community Impact Award

💡 These are powerful categories if your work goes beyond profit.

STEP 4: DO YOU HAVE A UNIQUE EDGE?

You might also qualify for:

• Global Brand Award (operating internationally)
• Business Evolution Award (you’ve pivoted or scaled significantly)
• Overcoming the Odds Award (significant personal or business challenges)
• One to Watch Award (pre-launch or very early stage)

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STEP 5: DO YOU IDENTIFY WITH ANY OF THESE?

You may choose to enter:

• Indigenous Business Excellence Award
• Multicultural Business Excellence Award
• Disability Leadership in Business Award
• LGBTQIA+ Business Excellence Award

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QUICK RECOMMENDATION

Most entrants apply for:

• 1-3 x Business/Industry Categories
• 1 x Impact or Leadership Category
• 1 x People’s Choice Category
• Optional: General Judged Category (based on years in business, most competetive)

Total: 3–5 categories is ideal

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!

Imagine yourself as a national awards winner, a respected speaker and representative of a national organisation!

 

These are just some of the opportunities that await the winners of the AusMumpreneur Awards.

Previous AusMumpreneur of the Year winners and finalists have been featured in national media including 60 minutes, Sunrise, The Today Show, Today Tonight, Cosmopolitan, The Herald Sun and The Australian since winning this award.

So is this your year to shine?

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The AusMumpreneur Awards are a trusted and respected initiative with a 15-year history of celebrating and elevating mums in business, leadership, and impact across Australia.

Here’s how we ensure our awards are real, fair, and credible:

✅ Established Reputation
We’ve been in business for 15 years, with thousands of past entrants and a legacy of empowering women through recognition, connection, and opportunity.

✅ Transparent Judging Process
All nominees complete a full application with detailed questions. Every category is reviewed by a panel of three independent judges, who score each question individually. Any conflicts of interest are declared, and judges are recused from assessing anyone they know to ensure complete impartiality.

✅ Independent, High-Calibre Judging Panel
Our judging panel includes over 45 respected entrepreneurs and industry leaders, many of whom are past award winners. These women give back to the community each year by lending their time and expertise to support emerging changemakers.

✅ Strict Due Diligence
We take all claims seriously and conduct thorough background checks to verify nominee information before finalists or winners are announced.

✅ Secure & Professional Technology
We use a world-class, secure awards management platform to manage applications, judging, and scoring. This ensures data security, transparency, and a smooth, fair process for everyone involved.

We are proud to run an ethical, empowering and nationally recognised awards program that gives women the recognition and visibility they deserve.

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 10 July 2026 

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 September 2026. Venue to be announced soon. 

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.