THE POWER LIST: The best in Australian small businesses and startups right now

The $30 billion men – Atlassian cofounders Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar.

Kochie’s Business Builders has just released its inaugural POWER LIST in partnership with Google Ads to shines a light on the people influencing and innovating across the startup and small business ecosystems.

Among those singled out are Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell, the KeepCup founder and waste warrior Abigail Forsyth, Indigenous Business Australia strategy and innovation leader Kia Dowell, social entrepreneur Usman Iftikhar and Tyson Koh, director of anti-lockout campaign Keep Sydney Open.

Of course it’s no surprise to see unicorn creators such as Canva’s Melanie Perkins and Atlassian duo Scott Farquhar and Mike Cannon-Brookes featured alongside rising startup stars such as Vinomofo’s Justin Dry, Showpo’s Jane Lu, and chief Airtasker Tim Fung.

South Australian premier Steven Marshall also makes the list as Space Industries Minister for driving innovation in the state.

Kochie’s Business Builders editor Cec Busby said role models and mentors are an essential part of any success story, both as benchmarks and inspiration

“When our publishing team put together the Power List we decided to spotlight the people we think are truly having an impact on the small business and startup ecosystem. So, yes, there are some very recognisable names on the list but also quite a few unsung heroes and changemakers we believe are truly shifting the landscape,” she said.

“We’re particularly excited by the number of women taking centre stage on our Power List. The importance of diversity and equality rank highly for the majority of Australians and I think we’ve finally begun to reach a tipping point. Change is coming and many of our power list honourees are the pioneers leading the way.”

Kochie’s Business Builders host and small business advocate David Koch congratulated all those included on the list.

“We believe you are paving the way and embrace all the key elements of what it means to be a powerful influencer within the small business and startup sectors,” he said.

Koch urged any startups or small business owners looking for inspiration to seek out the work of those on the Power List.

“I reckon these are the people we should all be following… through their LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, media coverage and events. I already follow many on this list and am constantly inspired by their achievements and informed by their experiences. I learn so much from their advice.”

To find out more about the inspiring people who made the Kochie’s Business Builders Power List Download the Power List eBook

To cast your vote on the top 10 visit our Power List page where more inspirational stories, videos and podcasts will be revealed in the coming month. Our Power List top ten as voted by you will be announced in July. Cast Your Vote Now!

The KBB Powerlist is proudly supported by Google Ads. Business growth, made easy.

Get in front of customers when they’re searching for businesses like yours on Google Search and Maps. Only pay for results, like visits to your website or calls to your business. Learn More.