Winning a business award is about more than a trophy. It raises your profile, strengthens your credibility, opens doors to new networks and gives your team a measurable morale boost. Even when there is no prize money, the entry process forces you to reflect on what you have achieved and articulate your ambitions with clarity.
The UK has a thriving ecosystem of awards that celebrate women in business and female entrepreneurs. The Alison Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship, first published in 2019, found that only 5.6% of UK women run businesses compared with 11.2% of men, and set a target to increase the number of female entrepreneurs by 50% by 2030. Progress reports since then, including the 2023 update, have continued to highlight the role that visibility and recognition play in closing that gap.
This guide to the leading women in business awards UK entrepreneurs, founders and leaders can enter has been updated for the 2026/27 awards season. Below is a curated list of national, regional and international awards. Deadlines and categories change each year, so always check the official website before submitting an entry.
Why Awards Matter for Women-Led Businesses
Recognition programmes do more than generate press coverage. The Alison Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship, published in 2019, estimated that closing the gender entrepreneurship gap could add up to £250 billion to the UK economy. Yet progress remains uneven. According to the British Business Bank’s Small Business Finance Markets 2024 report, all-female founder teams receive around 2% of UK equity investment. That makes external validation especially valuable when you are approaching investors, customers or partners, because a shortlisting provides independent proof of traction, leadership and impact.
The 2023 Rose Review progress report also showed that visible role models are one of the most effective ways to encourage more women to start and scale businesses. By entering awards, you add your story to that pipeline and create a reference point for the women who follow.
Awards help to make the contribution of women-led businesses visible and can open conversations about business grants for women in the UK, investment and growth support.
National Women in Business Awards
Asian Women of Achievement Awards
The Asian Women of Achievement (AWA) Awards honour British Asian women across categories including Business, Entrepreneurship, Media, Arts and Culture, Social and Humanitarian, Professional and Young Achiever. Entries are usually submitted through an online nomination form, with ceremonies held in London. They remain one of the most established platforms for recognising the contribution of Asian women to UK business and public life.
Find out more: awaawards.com
Black Women in Business Awards
The Black Women in Business Awards celebrate Black women who are breaking barriers across corporate leadership and entrepreneurship. Categories cover large organisations, SMEs and intrapreneurial roles, recognising both high-profile executives and women running smaller operations. The programme aims to challenge stereotypes and amplify the success of Black businesswomen in the UK.
Find out more: bwbawards.com
Everywoman Awards
Everywoman runs several sector-focused awards, including the everywoman in Tech Awards, everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards and everywoman in Retail Awards, alongside the everywoman Entrepreneur of the Year programme. Winners gain national recognition, access to mentoring and introductions to investors and customers. The programmes are designed to support women at every stage of their careers.
Find out more: everywoman.com
Forward Ladies Awards
The Forward Ladies Awards recognise women in business and leadership across categories such as Start-Up Business of the Year, SME Business of the Year, International Business of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year. The programme combines a national awards ceremony with regional networking events, making it a valuable route to visibility for founders and leaders.
Find out more: forwardladies.com
The Great British Businesswoman Awards
The Great British Businesswoman Series combines an awards programme with a forum and webinar series. Categories span entrepreneurship, leadership, creative industries and social enterprise. It is designed to celebrate established businesswomen, champion advocates and inspire the next generation of female leaders.
Find out more: freshbusinessthinking.com/great-british-businesswoman-series
National Business Women’s Awards
Hosted by Events and PR, the National Business Women’s Awards recognise outstanding women entrepreneurs, leaders and innovators. Winners receive a trophy, media coverage and enhanced networking opportunities. Nominations typically open early in the calendar year and require a detailed entry form setting out achievements, impact and leadership.
Find out more: eventsandpr.co.uk/national-business-womens-awards
The Precious Awards
The PRECIOUS Awards celebrate women of colour in the UK across categories including Business of the Year, Leadership, STEM, Young Entrepreneur, Professional Services and Social Enterprise. Winners receive industry recognition, increased visibility and networking opportunities. The awards play an important role in promoting diversity and inclusion across British business.
Find out more: preciousawards.com
Saverah Women in Business Awards
The Saverah Women in Business Awards highlight the achievements of Muslim female entrepreneurs in the UK. Open to businesses with female founders, CEOs, shareholders or partners, the awards allow entries across multiple categories and showcase the vision, challenges and success stories of Muslim women in business.
Find out more: saverahwomeninbusiness.com
Women in Construction and Engineering Awards
The Women in Construction and Engineering Awards honour women who have excelled in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Winners gain industry recognition, professional visibility and access to influential networks. The awards also help to inspire more women to pursue careers in construction and engineering.
Find out more: wiceawards.com
Women in Finance Awards
The Women in Finance Awards recognise leadership and achievement across banking, insurance, asset management, fintech and professional services. Winners are positioned as industry leaders and gain access to professional development, networking and advocacy platforms that advance gender diversity in finance.
Find out more: womeninfinance.co.uk
Women in IT Awards
The Women in IT Awards celebrate women in technology and digital leadership. Winners gain national recognition, exposure to career opportunities and invitations to exclusive events. The programme highlights the achievements of women in IT and encourages more women to enter the sector.
Find out more: womeninitawards.com
The Women in Tech Excellence Awards
These awards recognise women driving innovation in technology. Categories cover technical leadership, digital transformation, entrepreneurship and rising stars. Winners receive industry recognition, media coverage and networking opportunities, helping to promote diversity in tech.
Find out more: womenintechexcellence.co.uk
Women of the Future Awards
The Women of the Future Awards celebrate exceptional women under 35 across industries including business, science, technology and the arts. Winners receive media exposure, mentoring and access to a powerful network of senior leaders and alumni. The programme is focused on developing the next generation of female leaders.
Find out more: awards.womenofthefuture.co.uk
Women of the Year Awards
The Women of the Year Awards recognise women who have made an outstanding contribution to society across fields such as business, entrepreneurship, science, arts, sport and public service. Nominations are typically made by a third party who can attest to the nominee’s achievements and impact.
Find out more: womenoftheyear.org.uk
National Awards by Region
Scotland: Association of Scottish Businesswomen Awards
The Association of Scottish Businesswomen (ASB) runs awards that celebrate the achievements of women in business across Scotland. The programme recognises entrepreneurs, professionals and employers who support women’s economic advancement.
Find out more: asb-scotland.org
Northern Ireland: Women in Business NI Awards
The Women in Business NI Awards are a highlight of the Northern Ireland business calendar, recognising female founders, leaders and employers who are driving economic growth and innovation in the region.
Find out more: womeninbusinessni.com
Ireland: Women Mean Business Awards
The Women Mean Business Awards celebrate female entrepreneurs and business leaders across the island of Ireland. Categories typically include start-up, established business, social enterprise and leadership.
Find out more: womenmeanbusiness.com/awards
Regional and Local Awards for Women in Business
North West England: Enterprise Vision Awards
The Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAS) recognise women leading the way across industries in the North West. Judging considers growth, creativity, ethics, passion and commitment, not just turnover. The awards are open to business owners, employees, CEOs, homeworkers, young entrepreneurs and silverpreneurs, and you can enter yourself or nominate someone else.
Find out more: enterprisevisionawards.co.uk
Kent: Kent Women in Business Awards
The Kent Women in Business Awards celebrate the achievements of women running and working in businesses across Kent. Categories cover a range of sectors and business stages.
Find out more: kwibawards.co.uk
Banbury: Women in Business Awards
This local awards programme recognises businesswomen in and around Banbury, showcasing the talent and contribution of women to the local economy.
Find out more: banburywomeninbusiness.co.uk
West Country: West Country Women Awards
The West Country Women Awards celebrate female entrepreneurs, professionals and community leaders across the South West of England.
Find out more: westcountrywomenawards.co.uk
North West England and North Wales: Inspiring Women Awards
The Inspiring Women Awards honour women who have made a significant impact through business, community work or charitable activity across North West England and North Wales.
Find out more: inspiringawards.co.uk
North Nottinghamshire: North Notts Business Women Awards
The North Notts Business Women Awards shine a spotlight on businesswomen and female-led enterprises in North Nottinghamshire.
Find out more: nnbwawards.weebly.com
East Midlands: Enterprising Women Awards
The Enterprising Women Awards, run by the East Midlands Chamber, recognise female entrepreneurs and business leaders across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.
Find out more: emc-dnl.co.uk/services/enterprising-women/enterprising-women-awards
International Awards for Women in Business
Cartier Women’s Initiative
The Cartier Women’s Initiative supports early-stage women entrepreneurs worldwide. As well as prize money, winners receive business coaching, media exposure and access to a global network of fellows and investors.
Find out more: cartierwomensinitiative.com
Stevie Awards for Women in Business
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are a global programme honouring women executives, entrepreneurs and the organisations they lead. Categories range from entrepreneur of the year to employer of the year and women-run workplace of the year.
Find out more: stevieawards.com
How to Choose and Enter the Right Award
Entering awards takes time, so focus on programmes that match your sector, business stage and goals. A start-up founder will get more value from a programme with mentoring and investor introductions than from a general corporate award. A social enterprise should look for categories that measure impact as well as revenue.
Before you start an entry, read the criteria carefully and gather evidence. Judges typically look for:
- Clear metrics that demonstrate growth, impact or innovation
- A compelling narrative that explains why your business exists and what makes it different
- Evidence of leadership and team development
- Testimonials, case studies or third-party validation
Many programmes also offer networking opportunities, mentoring and alumni communities that continue to deliver value long after the winners are announced. Treat the entry process as a strategic exercise, not a box-ticking exercise. The clarity you gain will feed into your website, funding conversations and pitch materials.
Action Steps
- Review the awards list above and shortlist three programmes that fit your sector and stage.
- Check the official websites for the 2026/27 deadlines, categories and entry fees.
- Diarise the entry deadlines and set aside time to draft your submissions at least two weeks before they close.
- Collect evidence now: financial metrics, client testimonials, team growth data and impact measurements.
- Use any shortlisting or win as content for your website, LinkedIn, investor updates and marketing materials.
Whether you are a start-up founder, a corporate leader or a social entrepreneur, there is likely a place for you among the leading women in business awards UK programmes celebrate each year. Use the list above to find the right fit, submit a strong entry and contribute to a more inclusive business landscape.
