Four Australian small businesses are celebrating today after being awarded a share of AU$180,000 from Xero’s Beautiful Business Fund.
The global accounting software giant announced the winners of its 2024 fund, recognizing innovative and impactful businesses across the globe.
The 28 winners from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, South Africa, the UK and the US were selected based on a 90-second video demonstrating how they would use the funding to support their future business goals. Xero small business and non-profit customers could enter under four categories:
- Innovating for environmental sustainability
- Trailblazing with technology
- Strengthening community connection
- Upskilling for the future
The four global winners of each category will each receive a total of AU$70,000 (or local currency equivalent), while the remaining 24 winners will each receive AU$20,000 in funding. Other Matter, a Victoria-based company creating sustainable vinyl decals, is the global winner of the Innovating for environmental sustainability category. Prosthetic Art Technology, a New South Wales innovator transforming lives with advanced prosthetic technology, is the global winner of the Trailblazing with technology category.
Theo Konstantas, Sales Director Australia, Xero: “As a regional judge, I was honoured to learn about the amazing achievements and aspirations of our small business customers. It truly demonstrated the rigour, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of our thriving small business community here in Australia. The local winners have exceptional drive in tackling obstacles and creating positive change, and I look forward to seeing how Xeroʼs funding helps them grow and make an impact.”
The Australian winners for 2024 are:
Innovating for environmental sustainability: Other Matter (Vic)
Global winner awarded AU$70,0000 in funding
Other Matter® is revolutionising the market with its eco-conscious approach to decal production. Using an algae-based polymer, a world-first in renewable material technology, these decals offer a sustainable alternative to traditional vinyl. Fully recyclable, they are designed to promote a circular lifecycle, supporting both environmental responsibility and innovation in materials.
Jessie French, founder at Other Matter®, said, “Itʼs a tremendous honour for Other Matter® to be recognised as the global winner in the sustainability category of the Xero Beautiful Business Fund. This achievement not only underscores our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility but also comes at a pivotal stage. The prize will be directed towards scaling, a critical step in ensuring the success and viability of our decals as a sustainable alternative to toxic PVC signage and non-petrochemical material solutions. We are excited to accelerate our mission with this support.”
Trailblazing with technology: Prosthetic Art Technology (NSW)
Global winner awarded AU$70,0000 in funding
Prosthetic Art Technology is transforming lives by combining advanced technology with the art of sculpture to create life-changing silicone prosthetics. With the support of the Xero Beautiful Business Fund, they will upgrade essential modelling soware, acquire a new 3D printer, and explore innovative 3D scanning technology. This funding will allow them to enhance their precision and efficiency, further empowering individuals through their transformative prosthetics.
Sophie Fleming, founder of Prosthetic Art Technology shared: “We are utterly thrilled to have won the Xero Beautiful Business Fund. These funds will have a significant impact on how we can develop and innovate our business through the use of technology. There is a huge gap in bringing prosthetics to life for the people that need them, this gap is physical, geographical, and financial. Thanks to the fund, we can now continue to work to bridge the divide.”
Strengthening community connection: Zenly (NSW)
Regional winner awarded AU$20,0000 in funding
Zenly offers a sensory haven for neurodivergent adults and teens, providing a supportive space to move, rest, and connect. With a range of daily classes, including yoga, Pilates, weights, and meditation, Zenly also hosts popular skills groups aimed at fostering growth and community. This funding will be used to build a new therapy room and expand their community support services.
Upskilling for the future: Anika Legal (Vic)
Regional winner awarded AU$20,0000 in funding
Anika Legal, a charity and community legal centre based in Victoria, provides free, ongoing legal support to low-income renters, while also advocating for a fair and affordable housing system. Anika Legal will use the Xero Beautiful Business Fund to upskill its team across key areas such as practice management, fundraising, and governance. This investment will help them strengthen their internal capabilities, ensuring continued success in delivering critical services to those who need them most.
This yearʼs 28 country winners for the fund were chosen by a panel of five judges in each country. This yearʼs Australian judging panel included:
● Theo Konstantas Sales Director, Xero
● Natalie Lennon, Founder & Director, Two Sides Accounting
● Deepesh Banerji, Chief Product Officer, Deputy
● Syarna Gilmour, Senior Account Manager, Xero
● Kathy Wilson, Co-founder, Suitcase Records and 2023 winner in the Innovating for sustainability category
The winners were then assessed by a global judging panel made up of six global judges, including Xero CEO Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, who selected the four global winners — one for each category.
Singh Cassidy said: “Xero is proud to support all of the winners of the 2024 Xero Beautiful Business Fund. Your passion, ambition, and commitment to your communities truly embodies the spirit of what
the fund is all about. Congratulations to our winners and thank you to all the entrants for sharing your stories and inspiring us as we pursue our purpose to make life better for small businesses, their advisors and communities worldwide.”
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