NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2026 AUSMUMPRENEUR AWARDS
The AusMumpreneur Awards have been running since 2009. The awards recognise and acknowledge success in business, product development & innovation and customer service at a glamorous awards event.
Past AusMumpreneur Awards winners include some of Australia's biggest brands like B,Box, Figur, Active Truth, Share the Dignity, Melvory, Mama Movement, Queen of Confidence, Absolute Business Brokers and so many more of Australia's Leading Brands, Entrepreneurs and Industry Leaders.
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, and the Herald Sun and The Australian since winning this award.
So is this your year to shine?
THE AUSMUMPRENEUR AWARDS ARE ALL ABOUT SUPPORTING AND CELEBRATING MUMS IN BUSINESS
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 the success of the best and brightest in the industry.
Nationally recognised awards that have been running since 2009. The Awards recognise and acknowledge success in business, product development & innovation and customer service at a glamorous awards event.
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.
Important Dates 2026
- Nominations close – Friday, 10 July 2026
- Forms due – Monday, 20 July 2026
- Announcement of finalists – Friday, 7 August 2026
- People’s Choice Voting Start – Saturday, 8 August 2026
- People’s Choice Voting End – Saturday, 22 August 2026
The Awards will be announced at the National AusMumpreneur Conference and Awards Presentation on Wednesday, 16 September 2026.
if you have any questions about the awards please see the FAQ at the bottom of the page or you’re having trouble submitting the form please email us directly to [email protected]
2026 AUSMUMPRENEUR AWARDS NOMINATION
"Being named AusMumpreneur of the Year was such a milestone for us. One of our first awards that we ever won was the AusMum Award for Product Innovation back in 2010. And we have been inspired by so many women we’ve met over the years through the network. Being a mum in business is a truly unique experience and having an award framework that recognises this is empowering and necessary. It has been an honour to be the AusMumpreneur of the Year and we hope we have inspired other women to think big. With the right idea, support and networking, anything is possible." Dannielle Michaels, B.Box 2016 AusMumpreneur of the Year
The AusMumpreneur Awards celebrate and acknowledge the outstanding achievements of Australian mums in small business.
Judged Categories:
AUSMUMPRENEUR AWARDS 2026
PREMIER AWARDS (HIGHEST HONOUR)
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.
Emerging AusMumpreneur of the Year
Recognising an exceptional founder in business under 2 years showing early traction, innovation, and promise.
BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP EXCELLENCE
Business Excellence Award
For businesses demonstrating outstanding performance across growth, innovation, leadership, and customer impact.
Global Brand Award
For businesses successfully scaling internationally across multiple markets.
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.
The One to Watch Award
For pre-launch or early-stage founders with a bold, innovative, and scalable business concept.
IMPACT, PURPOSE & LEADERSHIP
Women Changing the World Award
For individuals creating meaningful impact through business, social enterprise, or non-profit work.
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.
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.
LOCATION & COMMUNITY
Regional & Remote Business Award
Recognising outstanding businesses operating in regional, rural, or remote communities.
Community Impact Award
For businesses making a significant contribution to their local community.
PRODUCT, CREATIVE & RETAIL INDUSTRIES
Product Innovation Award
For businesses developing original and innovative products.
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.
SERVICE & INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE
Service Business Award (B2C)
Service Business Award (B2B)
Recognising outstanding service-based businesses delivering exceptional client outcomes.
Consulting & Advisory Services Award
For businesses providing expert advice, strategy, or specialist consulting.
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
Digital & Tech Innovation Award
For businesses leveraging technology, platforms, or digital solutions to drive growth and 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 – modern category)
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.
Events & Experiences Award
For businesses delivering outstanding events, retreats, or experiences.
Animal Care & Services 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
Creative Entrepreneur Award
For businesses in creative industries demonstrating innovation and commercial success.
Author Awards
For authors creating impact through ideas, storytelling, and influence.
Thought Leader Award
For Though Leaders creating impact through ideas, storytelling, and influence.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS - (PUBLIC VOTED)
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
Making a Difference – Business
Making a Difference – Non-Profit
Making a Difference – Social Enterprise
Making a Difference – Global Impact
Making a Difference – Community Impact
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? 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. 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.
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 a press release template for you to send to your local media.
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? This year's awards are being held as part of the AusMumpreneur Conference on 11- 12 August 2025 at Rydges Geelong
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 the first round of public voting. Votes then continue for the top ten in the final round of 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.
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