Small Business finalists

Apxium offers an innovative ecosystem of financial technology solutions. The company helps professional services firms around the world improve cash flow, reduce administration and deliver a better client experience.

Developed at its Adelaide headquarters, the company’s software-as-a-service and fintech platforms support firms around the world to streamline operations and improve financial performance.

Apxium has achieved strong international growth by developing globally competitive technology. Its success demonstrates that locally developed digital innovation can compete on the world stage, attracting international customers while supporting high-skilled employment and ongoing investment in technology development.

Its top export markets include the US, Canada and the UK.

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Today's pet owners treat their animals as family members. They want food that is natural, traceable, and backed by science.

Australia Talentail combines distinctive Australian ingredients with university-led research to develop functional pet nutrition products.

Its products contain Kakadu plum, a native Australian ingredient known for its high vitamin C content. Through a partnership with an Indigenous-owned Kakadu plum cooperative, the company supports employment and economic opportunities in northern Australia.

All Australia Talentail products are manufactured by leading Australia and New Zealand-based facilities and ethically sourced through traceable local supply chains.

Its top export markets include China, Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore.

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International College of Advanced Education (ICAE) delivers practical, industry-focused courses to international and domestic students. It delivers workplace-ready graduates to the Australian and international workforce, with a focus on areas of skill shortages.

ICAE has recruited a significant number of international students to its programs, supporting Australian education and injecting financial and labour resources into the local economy.

Several international trade relationships forged by ICAE have helped similar enterprises in its sector and its community, allowing Darwin-based education exports to flourish.

Its top export markets include the Philippines, Nepal and Indonesia.

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Rosin is the small cake of resin every stringed instrument player draws across their bow before playing. Without it, the bow cannot grip the string, and the instrument makes no sound.

Handcrafted on a family farm in regional New South Wales, Leatherwood Bespoke Rosin creates custom-formulated rosin for musicians around the world. Through craftsmanship, product innovation and specialist manufacturing, the business has built a global reputation in a niche market traditionally dominated by European and American producers.

Its export growth supports regional skilled employment and manufacturing while generating international demand for Australian-made products and expertise.

Its top export markets include the US, Japan, Germany, China and South Korea.

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Lock Jaw Ladder Grip wants to make ladder work safer for everyone. Its ladder safety device prevents ladders from slipping, reducing the risk of injury and death from falls.

The device was invented in Brisbane by father-and-son team Bob and Craig Charlton, after Bob suffered a serious ladder accident. It is now used by tradespeople, emergency services and homeowners across the world.

Lock Jaw contributes to Australia’s innovation economy by commercialising patented intellectual property in global markets. This strengthens the country’s reputation for innovation in workplace-safety solutions.

Its top export markets include the US, Germany, France and Austria

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MetroCount delivers world-leading traffic monitoring technology to more than 140 countries.

The company combines innovative hardware, software and subscription services. These solutions help organisations collect, understand and make better decisions with transport data.

Headquartered in Fremantle, MetroCount oversees research, design, manufacturing and global distribution. This keeps high-value capability, technical knowledge and operational control in Australia, while serving customers globally.

Its top export markets include the US, the UK, the Philippines, the Netherlands and Sri Lanka.

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PPB Technology offers a rapid on-site food testing platform that gives food and beverage processors laboratory-quality results in minutes. This makes advanced quality and safety testing available wherever food is produced. 

PPB Technology contributes to Australia’s economic prosperity by turning Australian science into exportable technology products supporting global food supply chains.

CYBERTONGUE® Technology originated from CSIRO research. PPB Technology commercialised the research, developing a platform that combines Australian-owned intellectual property, precision instrumentation and cloud-enabled support.

From its Canberra base, PPB Technology exports its systems and consumables to multiple international markets.

Its top markets include the US, Europe and India.

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Tidetech is helping the maritime industry decarbonise. It supplies high-resolution tidal, current and weather data to thousands of ships, ports and navigation systems worldwide.

A vessel that routes with the tide rather than against it saves up to 5% in fuel and emissions on every voyage. With fuel sitting at around 46% of a ship's operating costs, ocean science can deliver huge savings.

Tidetech draws on Hobart's thriving marine science precinct, turning Australian public research into a viable technology that is used in more than 20 countries.

Its top export markets include the US, Greece, Italy, Germany and Finland.

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