Introduction
Award Description:
This award recognises ambitious companies in their first five years that are showing clear momentum or exciting potential. Whether you're an early-stage start-up, scaling brand, or research-driven venture building toward market entry - this award celebrates innovation, growth, and future impact.
Why Enter?
If you’re making progress, gaining attention, or setting the stage for long-term success, this award shines a light on your ambition and achievement. It’s a chance to stand out, build credibility, and be seen as one of the region’s most promising new businesses.
What the Judges Will Look For:
Judges will look for evidence of:
· Commercial traction or validation (revenue, customers, pilots, investment, partnerships)
· Innovation or differentiation
· Clarity of vision and business model
· Capacity to scale or grow sustainably
· Strength of the leadership and operational team (experience, credibility, and ability to execute)
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must:
· Be based in the Mid-West Region
· Have been in operation for at least 12 months
· Have started trading within the last 5 years
Note on Exceptions:
Businesses operating for less than 12 months may still be considered if they can demonstrate significant early traction or progress, such as customer adoption, funding secured, partnerships, or product deployment.
This exception is granted at the discretion of the judging panel, and strong supporting evidence will be required.
Additionally, businesses formally established more than 5 years ago may apply if trading began within the last 5 years, and they can demonstrate that they are still in a startup or early growth phase (e.g. following a long R&D or commercialisation cycle).
Businesses outside these criteria should consider one of the other award categories.