Leading Smart50 alumni and Australia’s Small Business Ombudsman Bruce Billson will be among those helping judge the 2024 Smart50 Awards . Each year, some of the smartest minds in business join the judging panel for the Smart50 category awards and 2024 will be no different. Entries for the 2024, presented in partnership with Optus, are currently open for entries from independent, Australian businesses .
A former small business minister and current ombudsman, Billson has had a long association with the Smart50 Awards and his office is sponsoring the Rising Star category in 2024. “The Smart50 Awards celebrate the innovation, growth, community and leadership shown by our small and medium businesses,” said Billson. “Small business is a dynamic and fast-growing sector that allows people with an entrepreneurial spirit to pursue their dreams and own livelihoods,” he added.
“They come with varied ambitions, backgrounds and experiences but what they have in common is the desire to have a go.” Joining Billson on the judging panel is Richard Li, co-founder and CEO of fast-growing luggage brand July, which took out first place in the 2022 Smart50 Awards and has gone on to open more shopfronts , partner with iconic Australian brands and supply the official luggage to the Australian Olympic team . Sarah Mullen , the chief operating officer at ASX-listed Adore Beauty, is also returning to the Smart50 judging panel for another year.
Adore Beauty previously made the Smart50 list .