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Entry Kit ’23


The Entry Kit for ambitious
people with big ideas.

We’re thrilled to present the Entry Kit ‘23, your gateway to achieving the recognition you deserve. So, are you ready to step into the spotlight?

The Entry Kit is more than just a guide; it’s your launchpad to success! Be bold, be creative, and let’s make the extraordinary happen together.

Get your Pause Awards Entry Kit today.

Pause Awards - Entry Kit '23
Pause Awards Entry Kit '23

Discover our founder’s inspiring vision in the Manifesto

Feel the driving force behind these prestigious awards

Dive deep into the minds of our illustrious judging panel

Comprehensive guide on How to Enter and new Categories

Roadmap to nailing your entry with top tips

Understand what’s required, new process and entry questions

Download now


Past winners

“It’s super-high energy, snappy networking and I loved Dancing-Walks.”
Tom McKerrow
Business Development, Upstock
“Winning the ‘Company of Year’ award really put us on the map and was very unexpected!”
David McLaughlin
CTO, BODD
“Entrepreneurship is all about the community. Otherwise it can be a very isolated experience. So being part of the ecosystem is everything.”
Jirra Harvey
Founder, Kalinya
“Pause is the community of amazing innovators, and we are thrilled to be recognised for the third year running.”
Matt Vitale
Co-Founder, Birchal
“Being able to network with entrepreneurs, founders, learn and be part of that ecosystem has been fantastic for us.”
Dean Cherny GAICD
Founder & MD, SocialQ
1 / 6

Award categories

There are five Category Tracks below which contain 45 categories, with 11 new in 2023. Pause Awards categories are not industry specific and we cater to various aspects of your business journey.


  • Culture05

    The Culture track seeks entries that exemplify the development of an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture, crucial for organisational success and growth. Submissions should illustrate transformative strategies implemented across core business functions, reflecting expertise, leadership, and a clear vision. These strategies should demonstrate a positive impact on the business, its employees, stakeholders, and customers, showcasing how a nurturing culture contributes to overall growth and innovation.


    Diverse Co.

    Celebrates workplaces dedicated to fostering innovation through a vibrant tapestry of diverse talents and perspectives.


    Large team culture

    Honours organisations with 1000+ employees that lead the way in nurturing a dynamic and innovative work environment.


    Medium team culture

    Recognises mid-sized companies (21-999 employees) for their exceptional efforts in cultivating a culture that champions innovation.


    Small team culture

    Applauds small teams of fewer than 20 employees for their remarkable ability to foster innovation and set new benchmarks in their domain.


    Work sweet work

    Acknowledges companies that have achieved extraordinary employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, creating an exemplary workplace culture.


  • Excellence08

    The Excellence track celebrates businesses that have demonstrated remarkable success and impact within their industry, regardless of their size. Entries for this category should illustrate how the business’s strategic execution, guided by visionary leadership and exceptional expertise, has significantly influenced the industry. The focus will be on the tangible outcomes of these strategies, highlighting the company’s ability to innovate, lead, and leave a lasting impression in its field.


    Company of the Year

    Celebrating a standout company known for exemplary leadership, resilience, and strategic vision, underpinned by robust plans for future growth.


    Defiant ones

    Recognising firms that lead technological breakthroughs, setting new standards and defining the future of their industries.


    Hammer

    Acknowledging companies that have carved their success path in the market, defining success on their own terms.


    I wish I’d done that

    Applauding ingenious, simple solutions in niche markets that spark a universal sentiment of admiration.


    On the rise

    Celebrating early-stage startups that have shown remarkable progress and success in their initial years.


    Prodigy

    Recognising young visionaries under 30 with outstanding talents and achievements, setting them apart in their fields.


    Singularity

    Highlighting AI-driven companies that are pioneering new services or integrating AI to create innovative products.


    Women in business

    Celebrating female entrepreneurs and leaders who are forging paths for future generations by creating more equitable opportunities.


  • Good04

    The Good track is focused on recognising companies dedicated to their mission of creating a positive societal impact. Entries should highlight innovative solutions aimed at addressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability, social equity, and community well-being. Successful submissions will demonstrate how their initiatives contribute to significant changes, tackling issues like gender inequality, social imbalance, and injustice, thereby setting a precedent for responsible and impactful business practices.


    B-Good

    Recognises businesses that redefine commercial success by positively transforming our economic system for the benefit of all stakeholders.


    Circular Pioneer

    Celebrates companies at the forefront of circular economy practices, making substantial and sustainable differences.


    Going green

    Acknowledges companies leading large-scale sustainable initiatives, addressing critical areas like clean energy and environmental justice.


    You’ve got ethics

    Commends companies exemplifying leadership in environmental and social governance, setting standards in corporate responsibility and ethical practices.


  • Growth06

    The Growth track is about showcasing how businesses have enhanced productivity and execution to make a significant impact in their market. Entries should highlight innovative strategies that have optimised the customer journey, leading to increased engagement and commercial success. This track is for those who have effectively used their understanding of the market and customer needs to scale their business and achieve notable growth.


    Design first

    Celebrates companies where design is the heartbeat of innovation, engaging the whole team in crafting groundbreaking products.


    Great pivot

    Acknowledges companies that adeptly navigate change, leveraging insights to pivot towards delivering outstanding products.


    Movement

    Recognises unforgettable event experiences that resonate emotionally, drive social change, or achieve viral status.


    New model

    Honours businesses revolutionising markets with elegant and disruptive business models.


    Out of the garage

    Applauds companies that have expanded their reach globally, showcasing exceptional growth and international success.


    Wildfire

    Celebrates companies that have rapidly and significantly impacted their marketplace, setting new standards for success.


  • Operators08

    The Operators track seeks entries that showcase leadership in fostering innovation within their ecosystems. Ideal submissions will highlight how your initiatives have catalysed the creation of new products or services, bolstered by a culture that uplifts internal teams and the wider community. This track celebrates those who drive progress by empowering voices and forging transformative connections in their industry.


    Angel

    Honours visionary angel investors who’ve significantly contributed to early-stage startups, guiding them toward success.


    C-Suite

    Recognises exceptional leadership qualities in high-ranking executives, showcasing their management and interpersonal excellence.


    Down under

    Acknowledges international companies making a noteworthy entrance into the Australian market, enriching the local business ecosystem.


    Ecosystem star

    Celebrates individuals who energise and nurture their communities, fostering engagement and advocacy.


    Future builder

    Recognises the determination and resilience of founders who’ve embarked on the challenging journey of starting their own ventures.


    Silent achiever

    Applauds the unsung heroes whose behind-the-scenes efforts have led to flawless project executions and exceeded expectations.


    TopCoder

    Recognises developers for their outstanding technical skills, clean code, and collaborative spirit.


    Venture cap

    Salutes venture capital firms with a track record of backing transformative businesses, contributing significantly to Australia’s economic growth.

“Nothing excites and inspires me more than creativity, innovation, positive change and progress.”
Kate Thompson
Hardie Grant Media
“I’m really excited to see the incredible talent and enterprises in Australia.”
Joel Hanna
Xero
“It gives me an opportunity to discover and support innovative and creative companies.”
Trevor Townsend
Startupbootcamp Australia

Category tracks



The Culture track seeks entries that exemplify the development of an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture, crucial for organisational success and growth. Submissions should illustrate transformative strategies implemented across core business functions, reflecting expertise, leadership, and a clear vision. These strategies should demonstrate a positive impact on the business, its employees, stakeholders, and customers, showcasing how a nurturing culture contributes to overall growth and innovation.

The Excellence track celebrates businesses that have demonstrated remarkable success and impact within their industry, regardless of their size. Entries for this category should illustrate how the business's strategic execution, guided by visionary leadership and exceptional expertise, has significantly influenced the industry. The focus will be on the tangible outcomes of these strategies, highlighting the company's ability to innovate, lead, and leave a lasting impression in its field.

The Good track is focused on recognising companies dedicated to their mission of creating a positive societal impact. Entries should highlight innovative solutions aimed at addressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability, social equity, and community well-being. Successful submissions will demonstrate how their initiatives contribute to significant changes, tackling issues like gender inequality, social imbalance, and injustice, thereby setting a precedent for responsible and impactful business practices.

Awarded to a single entry in a category, Grand Prix is the top accolade in that category. To win the Grand Prix, the entire Judging Board must unanimously agree that the entry deserves the accolade of being the best in that category.

The Growth track is about showcasing how businesses have enhanced productivity and execution to make a significant impact in their market. Entries should highlight innovative strategies that have optimised the customer journey, leading to increased engagement and commercial success. This track is for those who have effectively used their understanding of the market and customer needs to scale their business and achieve notable growth.

The Operators track seeks entries that showcase leadership in fostering innovation within their ecosystems. Ideal submissions will highlight how your initiatives have catalysed the creation of new products or services, bolstered by a culture that uplifts internal teams and the wider community. This track celebrates those who drive progress by empowering voices and forging transformative connections in their industry.


Categories


  • Diverse Co.

    Celebrates workplaces dedicated to fostering innovation through a vibrant tapestry of diverse talents and perspectives.


  • Large team culture

    Honours organisations with 1000+ employees that lead the way in nurturing a dynamic and innovative work environment.


  • Medium team culture

    Recognises mid-sized companies (21-999 employees) for their exceptional efforts in cultivating a culture that champions innovation.


  • Small team culture

    Applauds small teams of fewer than 20 employees for their remarkable ability to foster innovation and set new benchmarks in their domain.


  • Work sweet work

    Acknowledges companies that have achieved extraordinary employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, creating an exemplary workplace culture.


  • Company of the Year

    Celebrating a standout company known for exemplary leadership, resilience, and strategic vision, underpinned by robust plans for future growth.


  • Defiant ones

    Recognising firms that lead technological breakthroughs, setting new standards and defining the future of their industries.


  • Hammer

    Acknowledging companies that have carved their success path in the market, defining success on their own terms.


  • I wish I'd done that

    Applauding ingenious, simple solutions in niche markets that spark a universal sentiment of admiration.


  • On the rise

    Celebrating early-stage startups that have shown remarkable progress and success in their initial years.


  • Prodigy

    Recognising young visionaries under 30 with outstanding talents and achievements, setting them apart in their fields.


  • Singularity

    Highlighting AI-driven companies that are pioneering new services or integrating AI to create innovative products.


  • Women in business

    Celebrating female entrepreneurs and leaders who are forging paths for future generations by creating more equitable opportunities.


  • B-Good

    Recognises businesses that redefine commercial success by positively transforming our economic system for the benefit of all stakeholders.


  • Circular Pioneer

    Celebrates companies at the forefront of circular economy practices, making substantial and sustainable differences.


  • Going green

    Acknowledges companies leading large-scale sustainable initiatives, addressing critical areas like clean energy and environmental justice.


  • You've got ethics

    Commends companies exemplifying leadership in environmental and social governance, setting standards in corporate responsibility and ethical practices.


  • Design first

    Celebrates companies where design is the heartbeat of innovation, engaging the whole team in crafting groundbreaking products.


  • Great pivot

    Acknowledges companies that adeptly navigate change, leveraging insights to pivot towards delivering outstanding products.


  • Movement

    Recognises unforgettable event experiences that resonate emotionally, drive social change, or achieve viral status.


  • New model

    Honours businesses revolutionising markets with elegant and disruptive business models.


  • Out of the garage

    Applauds companies that have expanded their reach globally, showcasing exceptional growth and international success.


  • Wildfire

    Celebrates companies that have rapidly and significantly impacted their marketplace, setting new standards for success.


  • Angel

    Honours visionary angel investors who've significantly contributed to early-stage startups, guiding them toward success.


  • C-Suite

    Recognises exceptional leadership qualities in high-ranking executives, showcasing their management and interpersonal excellence.


  • Down under

    Acknowledges international companies making a noteworthy entrance into the Australian market, enriching the local business ecosystem.


  • Ecosystem star

    Celebrates individuals who energise and nurture their communities, fostering engagement and advocacy.


  • Future builder

    Recognises the determination and resilience of founders who've embarked on the challenging journey of starting their own ventures.


  • Silent achiever

    Applauds the unsung heroes whose behind-the-scenes efforts have led to flawless project executions and exceeded expectations.


  • TopCoder

    Recognises developers for their outstanding technical skills, clean code, and collaborative spirit.


  • Venture cap

    Salutes venture capital firms with a track record of backing transformative businesses, contributing significantly to Australia's economic growth.

Category tracks



The Culture track seeks entries that exemplify the development of an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture, crucial for organisational success and growth. Submissions should illustrate transformative strategies implemented across core business functions, reflecting expertise, leadership, and a clear vision. These strategies should demonstrate a positive impact on the business, its employees, stakeholders, and customers, showcasing how a nurturing culture contributes to overall growth and innovation.

The Excellence track celebrates businesses that have demonstrated remarkable success and impact within their industry, regardless of their size. Entries for this category should illustrate how the business's strategic execution, guided by visionary leadership and exceptional expertise, has significantly influenced the industry. The focus will be on the tangible outcomes of these strategies, highlighting the company's ability to innovate, lead, and leave a lasting impression in its field.

The Good track is focused on recognising companies dedicated to their mission of creating a positive societal impact. Entries should highlight innovative solutions aimed at addressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability, social equity, and community well-being. Successful submissions will demonstrate how their initiatives contribute to significant changes, tackling issues like gender inequality, social imbalance, and injustice, thereby setting a precedent for responsible and impactful business practices.

Awarded to a single entry in a category, Grand Prix is the top accolade in that category. To win the Grand Prix, the entire Judging Board must unanimously agree that the entry deserves the accolade of being the best in that category.

The Growth track is about showcasing how businesses have enhanced productivity and execution to make a significant impact in their market. Entries should highlight innovative strategies that have optimised the customer journey, leading to increased engagement and commercial success. This track is for those who have effectively used their understanding of the market and customer needs to scale their business and achieve notable growth.

The Operators track seeks entries that showcase leadership in fostering innovation within their ecosystems. Ideal submissions will highlight how your initiatives have catalysed the creation of new products or services, bolstered by a culture that uplifts internal teams and the wider community. This track celebrates those who drive progress by empowering voices and forging transformative connections in their industry.


Categories


  • Diverse Co.

    Celebrates workplaces dedicated to fostering innovation through a vibrant tapestry of diverse talents and perspectives.


  • Large team culture

    Honours organisations with 1000+ employees that lead the way in nurturing a dynamic and innovative work environment.


  • Medium team culture

    Recognises mid-sized companies (21-999 employees) for their exceptional efforts in cultivating a culture that champions innovation.


  • Small team culture

    Applauds small teams of fewer than 20 employees for their remarkable ability to foster innovation and set new benchmarks in their domain.


  • Work sweet work

    Acknowledges companies that have achieved extraordinary employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, creating an exemplary workplace culture.


  • Company of the Year

    Celebrating a standout company known for exemplary leadership, resilience, and strategic vision, underpinned by robust plans for future growth.


  • Defiant ones

    Recognising firms that lead technological breakthroughs, setting new standards and defining the future of their industries.


  • Hammer

    Acknowledging companies that have carved their success path in the market, defining success on their own terms.


  • I wish I'd done that

    Applauding ingenious, simple solutions in niche markets that spark a universal sentiment of admiration.


  • On the rise

    Celebrating early-stage startups that have shown remarkable progress and success in their initial years.


  • Prodigy

    Recognising young visionaries under 30 with outstanding talents and achievements, setting them apart in their fields.


  • Singularity

    Highlighting AI-driven companies that are pioneering new services or integrating AI to create innovative products.


  • Women in business

    Celebrating female entrepreneurs and leaders who are forging paths for future generations by creating more equitable opportunities.


  • B-Good

    Recognises businesses that redefine commercial success by positively transforming our economic system for the benefit of all stakeholders.


  • Circular Pioneer

    Celebrates companies at the forefront of circular economy practices, making substantial and sustainable differences.


  • Going green

    Acknowledges companies leading large-scale sustainable initiatives, addressing critical areas like clean energy and environmental justice.


  • You've got ethics

    Commends companies exemplifying leadership in environmental and social governance, setting standards in corporate responsibility and ethical practices.


  • Design first

    Celebrates companies where design is the heartbeat of innovation, engaging the whole team in crafting groundbreaking products.


  • Great pivot

    Acknowledges companies that adeptly navigate change, leveraging insights to pivot towards delivering outstanding products.


  • Movement

    Recognises unforgettable event experiences that resonate emotionally, drive social change, or achieve viral status.


  • New model

    Honours businesses revolutionising markets with elegant and disruptive business models.


  • Out of the garage

    Applauds companies that have expanded their reach globally, showcasing exceptional growth and international success.


  • Wildfire

    Celebrates companies that have rapidly and significantly impacted their marketplace, setting new standards for success.


  • Angel

    Honours visionary angel investors who've significantly contributed to early-stage startups, guiding them toward success.


  • C-Suite

    Recognises exceptional leadership qualities in high-ranking executives, showcasing their management and interpersonal excellence.


  • Down under

    Acknowledges international companies making a noteworthy entrance into the Australian market, enriching the local business ecosystem.


  • Ecosystem star

    Celebrates individuals who energise and nurture their communities, fostering engagement and advocacy.


  • Future builder

    Recognises the determination and resilience of founders who've embarked on the challenging journey of starting their own ventures.


  • Silent achiever

    Applauds the unsung heroes whose behind-the-scenes efforts have led to flawless project executions and exceeded expectations.


  • TopCoder

    Recognises developers for their outstanding technical skills, clean code, and collaborative spirit.


  • Venture cap

    Salutes venture capital firms with a track record of backing transformative businesses, contributing significantly to Australia's economic growth.

Pause Awards launch on 15 May 2024!
00d : 00h : 00m : 00s
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