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Pause Index


Explore the ambitious Founders and companies by year and see who won the most awards.


Adventus | Pause Awards Winner

Adventus

Out Of The Garage
AirRobe | Pause Awards Winner

AirRobe

I Wish I’d Done That
Airtree Ventures

AirTree Ventures

Venture Cap
Alex Goulios— Pause Awards 2022

Alex Goulios

Future Builder
Alicie Holmquest | Pause Awards Winner

Alicia Holmquest

Inception

Angela Harbinson

Women In Business
Aquarzon— Pause Awards 2022

Aquarzon

Hammer
Aussie Broadband

Aussie Broadband

Hammer
Bare Cremation— Pause Awards 2022

Bare Cremation

Defiant Ones, On The Rise
Birchal equity crowd funding australia

Birchal

Hammer
Bodd

Bodd

Defiant Ones, Company Of The Year
Booktopia | Pause Awards Winner

Booktopia

Hammer
Brittany Garbutt

Brittany Garbutt

Women In Business
Byron Scaf | Pause Awards Winner

Byron Scaf

Do You Know Who I Am
Carers Couch | Pause Awards Winner

Carers Couch

B-Good
Chau Le Group Manager of Strategy and E-Mobility, Origin Energy

Chau Le

Women In Business
Chelsea Newell | Pause Awards Winner

Chelsea Newell

Do You Know Who I Am
Christina Hobbs — Pause Awards

Christina Hobbs

Women In Business
Circle In — Pause Awards 2022

Circle In

Circular Pioneer
CorePlan — Pause Awards 2022

CorePlan

Defiant Ones

DiaperRecycle

Circular Pioneer
UP Bank — Pause Awards 2022

Dom Pym

C-Suite
Elena Kelareva | Pause Awards Winner

Elena Kelareva

Super Connector
Emma McAllister | Pause Awards Winner

Emma McAllister

Prodigy
envato | Pause Awards Winner

envato

B-Good
ettitude | Pause Awards Winner

ettitude

Going Green

evee

Going Green

Food Frontier

Wildfire
Gilbert Guaring, Pause Awards Judge

Gilbert Guaring

Do You Know Who I Am

Goterra

Circular Pioneer

Great Wrap

Defiant Ones, I Wish I’d Done That, Going Green
Guzman Y Gomez | Pause Awards Winner

Guzman Y Gomez

Hammer
Heaps Normal | Pause Awards Winner

Heaps Normal

I Wish I’d Done That, Hammer
Hipages Group | Pause Awards Winner

Hipages Group

Work Sweet Work

Honeycomb Strategy

Work Sweet Work

Hub Australia

Hottest Hub
Hungry Hungry | Pause Awards Winner

Hungry Hungry

Unexpected Twist

Incubate

Launch Pad

inke Packaging

Design First
Inspiring Rare Birds | Pause Awards Winner

Inspiring Rare Birds

B-Good
InvestorHub

InvestorHub

Great Pivot
Jasmine Batra, Arrow Digital

Jasmine Batra

Future Builder

Jordan Shreeve

Future Builder
Judy Anderson-Frith, winner

Judy Anderson-Firth

Super Connector

Kate Pollard

Women In Business
Kature Halleday | Pause Awards Winner

Katura Halleday

Fresh Blood
Kollektiv

Kollektive

Out Of The Garage, Small Team Culture
Labflow

Labflow

I Wish I’d Done That
LAVO | Pause Awards Winner

LAVO

Going Green
Law On Earth | Pause Awards Winner

Law On Earth

B-Good

Linkmate

B-Good
Linktree

Linktree

Out Of The Garage, Wildfire

LunchFox

I Wish I’d Done That
Lyre's Spirit Co | Pause Awards Winner

Lyre’s Spirit Co

Hammer
Macro Mike

Macro Mike

Hammer, I Wish I’d Done That
Marcella Romero

Marcella Romero

Women In Business

Mark Brownlee

Do You Know Who I Am
Marketplacer

Marketplacer

Hammer

Matrak

Out Of The Garage
Mel Stubbings Head of Engineering, Hide and Seek Digital

Mel Stubbings

TopCoder
Melinda Farley Co-founder and Managing Director, Kollektive

Melinda Farley

Women In Business
Memories Group | Pause Awards Winner

Memories Group

Hammer
The Peers Project | Pause Awards Winner

Michelle Akhidenor

Prodigy

Michelle Duke

Angel, Super Connector

Midnight Health

Wildfire
Mr Yum | Pause Awards Winner

Mr Yum

Hammer, Work Sweet Work, Defiant Ones
Music Health

Music Health

B-Good, Hammer, On The Rise, I Wish I’d Done That

myDRIVESCHOOL

I Wish I’d Done That
Nick Hudson | Pause Awards Winner

Nick Hudson

Super Connector
Nuheara | Pause Awards Winner

Nuheara

Hammer
Origin Energy

Origin Energy

Going Green, New Model
Ovira | Pause Awards Winner

Ovira

Out Of The Garage, I Wish I’d Done That, Hammer
Paz Pisarski Co-Founder, The Community Collective

Paz Pisarski

Ecosystem Star
Pentanet

Pentanet

Wildfire, Hammer
Portable | Pause Awards Winner

Portable

B-Good, Hammer
Pretzel Australia

Pretzel Australia

Prodigy
Providoor | Pause Awards Winner

Providoor

I Wish I’d Done That

PwC Australia

Work Sweet Work
Pyn | Pause Awards Winner

Pyn

Defiant Ones
QuadLock

Quad Lock

Work Sweet Work, Movement, Design First, Out Of The Garage, Hammer
Removify | Pause Awards Winner

Removify

Defiant Ones, I Wish I’d Done That
ReSource

ReSource

Circular Pioneer
Safely | Pause Awards Winner

Safely

Out Of The Garage
Seeing Machines | Pause Awards Winner

Seeing Machines

B-Good
Single Use Ain't Sexy | Pause Awards Winner

Single Use Ain’t Sexy

I Wish I’d Done That

Slava Kozlovskii

Future Builder
Slyp | Pause Awards Winner

Slyp

I Wish I’d Done That

STEM Punks

Out Of The Garage
Studio Ninja | Pause Awards Winner

Studio Ninja

Out Of The Garage

Switch4Schools

Defiant Ones
Swoop Aero | Pause Awards Winner

Swoop Aero

B-Good
Tanck

Tanck

On The Rise
Taxibox | Pause Awards Winner

Taxibox

I Wish I’d Done That

TernX

I Wish I’d Done That, Design First
Thankyou | Pause Awards Winner

Thankyou

Hammer

The People Spot

You’ve Got Ethics

The Separation Guide

On The Rise
Tixel

Tixel

Defiant Ones
Upstock

Upstock

Design First, Down Under

Vanessa Doake

Women In Business
Verve

Verve

You’ve Got Ethics, Going Green
WeMoney

WeMoney

Company Of The Year, Defiant Ones, Wildfire
WeVolt

WeVolt

Culture Champion

Wisr

Diverse Co., Work Sweet Work
WithYouWithMe

WithYouWithMe

Out Of The Garage

Applications open on 17 May


How to enter

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


  • Always Evolving New

    Acknowledges a culture of continuous learning and improvement within a company, encourages employee development, and always looks for ways to optimise and innovate operations.


  • Big & Mighty Culture New

    Recognises companies (51-1000 employees) for their exceptional efforts in cultivating a culture that champions innovation.


  • Diverse Co.

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


  • Small & Mighty Culture New

    Applauds small teams of fewer than 50 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

    Honours an outstanding company that not only showcases exemplary leadership and resilience but also demonstrates a clear, quantifiable impact over the past year.


  • Customer Obsessed New

    Applauds prioritisation, understanding and meeting the needs and expectations of their customers, including feedback, personalised services and ensuring high satisfaction.


  • Defiant Ones

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


  • Hammer

    Celebrates companies that have not only defined success on their own terms but have also concretely demonstrated their triumphs over the past year.


  • I Wish I'd Done That

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


  • On the Rise

    Celebrates early-stage startups, under 4 years, that have shown remarkable progress and success in their initial years.


  • Prodigy

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


  • Singularity

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


  • Women in Business

    Celebrates 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.


  • Ethical Leadership New

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


  • Going Green

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


  • Collab New

    Honours strategic partnerships and alliances with other businesses to leverage complementary strengths, access new markets, and share resources for synergistic growth and innovation.


  • Design First

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


  • Going Global New

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


  • 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.


  • Next Level New

    Applauds companies which had successful strategic acquisition and integration of another entity, staff or an asset that allowed them to further grow and scale their services.


  • Wildfire

    Celebrates companies that have rapidly and significantly impacted their marketplace, online and offline, 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.


  • Creative Maverick New

    Honours unconventional thinkers with exceptional abilities to execute typically unimaginable initiatives, expertly coordinate teams, secure funding or successfully launch multiple ventures.


  • 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.


  • Quiet Achiever New

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


  • Splash Down Under New

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


  • 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.


  • Visionary New

    Recognises effective leadership by setting a clear vision, motivating the team, and making strategic decisions that guide their business towards its goals.

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


  • Always Evolving New

    Acknowledges a culture of continuous learning and improvement within a company, encourages employee development, and always looks for ways to optimise and innovate operations.


  • Big & Mighty Culture New

    Recognises companies (51-1000 employees) for their exceptional efforts in cultivating a culture that champions innovation.


  • Diverse Co.

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


  • Small & Mighty Culture New

    Applauds small teams of fewer than 50 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

    Honours an outstanding company that not only showcases exemplary leadership and resilience but also demonstrates a clear, quantifiable impact over the past year.


  • Customer Obsessed New

    Applauds prioritisation, understanding and meeting the needs and expectations of their customers, including feedback, personalised services and ensuring high satisfaction.


  • Defiant Ones

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


  • Hammer

    Celebrates companies that have not only defined success on their own terms but have also concretely demonstrated their triumphs over the past year.


  • I Wish I'd Done That

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


  • On the Rise

    Celebrates early-stage startups, under 4 years, that have shown remarkable progress and success in their initial years.


  • Prodigy

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


  • Singularity

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


  • Women in Business

    Celebrates 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.


  • Ethical Leadership New

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


  • Going Green

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


  • Collab New

    Honours strategic partnerships and alliances with other businesses to leverage complementary strengths, access new markets, and share resources for synergistic growth and innovation.


  • Design First

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


  • Going Global New

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


  • 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.


  • Next Level New

    Applauds companies which had successful strategic acquisition and integration of another entity, staff or an asset that allowed them to further grow and scale their services.


  • Wildfire

    Celebrates companies that have rapidly and significantly impacted their marketplace, online and offline, 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.


  • Creative Maverick New

    Honours unconventional thinkers with exceptional abilities to execute typically unimaginable initiatives, expertly coordinate teams, secure funding or successfully launch multiple ventures.


  • 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.


  • Quiet Achiever New

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


  • Splash Down Under New

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


  • 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.


  • Visionary New

    Recognises effective leadership by setting a clear vision, motivating the team, and making strategic decisions that guide their business towards its goals.

Finalists are announced in:
00d : 00h : 00m : 00s
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