The Smart50 of 2012 were born in the GFC and have never known anything other than the patchwork economic conditions we’ve seen in the last few years. But in an average of just five years they’ve formed a new generation of fast-growth SMEs that have exploited a unique mix of technology, people and innovation.

SmartCompany is proud to announce the winners of the SmartCompany Smart50 Awards 2012, sponsored by WHK. The awards recognise and celebrate Australia's fastest-growing SMEs in 2011-12.

The awards are based on average annual revenue growth over the past three financial years. Entrants had to have revenue over $500,000 and show positive growth in each year to be eligible for the Smart50.

The top prize, number one on the Smart50, goes to the business with the highest growth over that period.

In addition, the awards also recognise the Top Innovator, Top Exporter and Top Franchise from this elite group. These awards were judged by SmartCompany founder Amanda Gome, editor James Thomson and RMIT Professor Kosmas Smyrnios.

Click here to read about the 10 big trends from the Smart50 class of 2012 and see the list to the right to read profiles on each of the Smart50. Simply click on the company names to read about their entrepreneurial journey.