It was Whole Kids unique approach to do business differently which contributed to their success in being recognised amongst some of Australia’s most exciting businesses. As a founding Australian B Corporation with a strong belief that businesses are perfectly placed to solve the worlds social and environmental programs, Whole Kids is succeeding by finding new ways to challenge business. Supported by local, national and international customers who share their passion for listening to what customers want, this business continues to take on industry convention to make the world a happier and healthier place for kids.
Along with the other 20 top business winners, Whole Kids will receive a two-week study tour to Silicon Valley and a tailored $50,000 professional services to boost their business.
The top 20 will also take part in a mentor matching program with notable Australian business leaders. Whole Kids Founder Monica Meldrum is thrilled to have been matched with co-founder and creative director of the Mamamia Women’s Network, Mia Freedman.
Founder Monica recognises this as a huge opportunity for her business and for the future of Whole Kids in creating a healthier, happier world for children:
“Whole Kids is a small business operating in an industry dominated by global competitors. We are excited to be part of the Westpac program providing us immediate access to leading-edge thinking, support and professional advice all of which support our mission to grow Whole Kids into a leading Australian food business on a global stage, tackling the Big Food market, while supporting programs to improve social equity for children worldwide. To say it’s going to be a big year is an understatement!”
Whole Kids will use this recognition as a springboard to build their brand and continue to grow their product reach both in Australia and overseas. David Lindberg, Chief Executive, Westpac Business Bank touched on this as a common theme amongst this ambitious list of forward thinking businesses.
“Over half (59%) of these businesses have an ambition to expand to the global marketplace and I look forward to seeing this great Australian entrepreneurial spirit succeed – because we have great talent and ideas in this country that deserved to be backed.
“As Australia continues to make the transition to a services and knowledge-based economy, it’s increasingly important for businesses to broaden their skills, tap into shared-knowledge and strengthen professional networks. Burgeoning businesses are critical to our success as a nation and to continue our 25-plus years of economic growth. By bringing together the right minds, tools and support, we are backing businesses that will help deliver a stronger, more prosperous Australia,” said Lindberg.
Building on the success of the inaugural 2017 program, and joining an impressive alumni, the winning businesses exemplify adaptability, resilience, value to customers, and a readiness to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
For the full list of this year’s 200 Businesses of Tomorrow please visit BusinessesofTomorrow.com.au.
Westpac’s Businesses of Tomorrow Top 20 2018 :
Araza
VIC, Professional, scientific and technical services
A technology consulting firm aiming to deliver the latest innovations to the largest organisations
Avoka
NSW, Financial and insurance services
A software platform enabling banks to build a strong customer acquisition journey
BizCover
NSW, Financial and insurance services
Providing insurance cover options for small businesses in more than 6000 occupations
Checkbox
NSW, Financial and insurance services
A platform enabling professionals to build customised digital solutions supporting compliance and regulation
Deputy
NSW, Information media and telecommunications
Cloud-based employee-management app for shift workers and employers to set rosters and swap shifts
Dresden Optics
NSW, Healthcare and social assistance
A simple, durable frame-and-lens system for affordable and high-quality prescription glasses
GO1
QLD, Education and training
Provides tailored training content for teams and a platform to track learning and development
Hatch
NSW, Technology, employment and skills, social science
Enabling everyone, starting with students, to identify and develop a career they love
Humanitix
NSW, Technology
An online ticketing service that distributes all booking fee profits to 30 Australian partner charities
Metamako
NSW, Information media and telecommunications
Building network hardware and software that’s simple, fast and flexible, boosting transaction speeds
Orange Sky Australia
QLD, Charitable and community services
Providing free mobile laundry and shower services throughout Australia to people experiencing homelessness
Planet Innovation
VIC, Professional, scientific and technical services
Partnering with companies in the health sector, helping them introduce new technology and streamline processes
Redback Technologies
QLD, Renewable energy
Technology for monitoring and storing solar energy for home use or selling to the grid
Repurpose It
VIC, Recycling and resource recovery
Industrial ecology process taking landfill waste and transforming it into useful material
Shippit
NSW, Transport, postal and warehousing
A shipping and delivery platform allowing retailers to make efficient logistics decisions
VendorPanel
VIC, Information media and telecommunications
Web-based procurement service connecting buyers and suppliers to reduce risk and boost value
WithYouWithMe
NSW, Professional, scientific and technical services
Helping underemployed groups, such as former defence personnel, to find meaningful employment
Whispli
NSW, Software
A platform for organisations to uncover internal issues by enabling staff to speak up safely
Whole Kids
VIC, Manufacturing
Producing a range of certified organic, additive-free and allergen-friendly snacks for children
Xceptional
NSW, Professional, scientific and technical services
A technology testing and services firm utilising the extraordinary skills of people with autism
About Westpac Businesses of Tomorrow
The Westpac Businesses of Tomorrow program recognises and supports great Australian businesses today, with a clear vision for tomorrow. The annual program was announced in April 2016 to help businesses, big and small, transition and grow in a changing economy.
Now in its second year, the Westpac Businesses of Tomorrow program received an incredible response from the Australian business community, receiving more than 1,000 applications in early 2018.
The top 20 Businesses of Tomorrow, which have demonstrated exceptional potential, will each receive a tailored $50,000 professional services package, one-on-one mentoring with some of Australia’s most influential mentors, and an exclusive two-week study tour to Silicon Valley. All 200 businesses will attend a three-day intensive workshop with the Melbourne Business School in late 2018, designed to build the knowledge and skills required to respond to disruption, map future business plans and create a growing alumni of businesses who are shaping Australia’s future.
The Businesses of Tomorrow were independently assessed by Deloitte and chosen by a high profile judging panel including: Alison Deans, Board Director: Westpac, Cochlear, IAG, kikki K Holdings; David Lindberg, CEO, Westpac Business Bank; Sian Chadwick, Head of Business Marketing, Westpac Group; Prof. Ian Harper, Dean (incoming) of Melbourne Business School and Simon Cant, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Reinventure Group.
