The global stage is calling
Following the success of our first consolidated program in 2025, the Xero Global App Awards are back for 2026. This is a celebration of the developers and teams building tools that help small businesses and advisors thrive.
Last year, we brought our regional awards together onto one global stage. We saw firsthand how our developer community is pushing boundaries for small businesses and advisors. In 2025, we celebrated 38 finalists and 18 winners across eight regions and globally. The engagement was massive: more than 600 apps got involved and more than 150 people voted for their favourite apps in the People’s Choice category.
🏆 The ‘award effect’: More than a trophy
We know that applying takes time and effort. However, our data from 2025 shows a clear ‘award effect’ that directly impacts growth:
- Trust signal: Winning (or even placing as a finalist) acts as a signal of quality for the 4.4 million Xero subscribers.
- Connection surge: 2025 winners and finalists saw a significant increase in app connections via the Xero App Store.
As Andrey Kustarnikov, CEO of G-Accon (2025 Global Practice App of the Year), noted:
“The visibility has been remarkable — we’re connecting with practices we never would have reached otherwise.”
What’s new for 2026?
We’ve listened to your feedback to make the 2026 program even better. We’re refining our categories and streamlining applications so you can spend more time telling your story and less time filling out forms.
Most excitingly, we’ve added a brand-new category for 2026: Development Partner of the Year. This category recognises the people behind the code — the builders helping small businesses, advisors, and developers do more with Xero.
🏆 2026 award categories: where do you shine?
- Practice App of the Year: Recognises apps that empower accounting and bookkeeping practices with meaningful, regionally relevant impact.
- Small Business App of the Year: Recognises apps that make life easier for small businesses and help them thrive.
- Emerging App of the Year: Showcases early-stage apps with strong traction and high growth potential (launched between 10 July 2024 and 10 July 2026).
- Innovation App of the Year: Celebrates bold, breakthrough ideas transforming how work gets done, specifically those with AI-powered features.
- People’s Choice Award: Voted by the Xero community, this award spotlights the app capturing the hearts of users worldwide.
- Development Partner of the Year: Our new category for the builders, agencies and developers helping small businesses and accountants expand Xero.
How to apply
If your app is listed on the Xero App Store (excluding Xero-owned or bank feed apps) and has at least 5 reviews with a 3-star rating or higher, you’re eligible to apply.
- Register on the awards portal: Draft your entry and save your progress as you go.
- Submit your entry: Ensure your application is in by Friday 10 July 2026.
- Key dates: Entries open 20 April 2026 and close 10 July 2026
❤️ Rally your community
Want to get a head start on the People’s Choice Award? Download our toolkit for social assets and email templates.
Check out our guide and toolkit
Don’t miss out on the chance to earn the Xero Global App Award seal of approval.
For more information, visit Global App Awards 2026 website.
<hr /><p>Showcase your app: Applications for the Xero Global App Awards 2026 are open! was originally published in Xero Developer on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>