Whether you are a startup founder, a seasoned entrepreneur, or a woman making waves in a male-dominated industry, awards can be a powerful way to raise your profile, attract clients, open doors to funding, and build credibility. The UK has a growing number of awards programmes dedicated to celebrating women in business, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the strongest years yet.
We have compiled a comprehensive guide to the most notable women in business awards happening across the UK in 2026. Whether you are looking for women in business awards to raise your profile, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, or gain recognition for what you have built, this list covers what each programme offers, who can enter, and key dates you need to know.
Why Entering Business Awards Matters
Before diving into the list, it is worth understanding why awards are more than just a trophy on a shelf. For women-led businesses in particular, recognition carries real commercial weight.
According to a 2025 report from the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee, just 2% of venture capital investment in the UK goes to female founders, while all-male teams receive over 80% of available funding. Awards provide visibility that can help close this gap. Finalists and winners consistently report increased media coverage, new business enquiries, stronger investor interest, and a confidence boost that helps them pitch more boldly.
Many of the awards below also come with mentoring, grant funding, networking opportunities, and access to communities of like-minded founders. Entering is almost always free.
The Major National Awards
Tide everywoman Entrepreneur Awards
The everywoman Entrepreneur Awards have been celebrating female founders since 2003 and are widely regarded as one of the UK’s most prestigious programmes for women in business. In 2026, Tide returns as headline partner, extending its commitment to supporting female-led SMEs.
The awards recognise women at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey, from early-stage founders to established business owners. Categories are named after Greek goddesses and grouped by age range and business maturity.
This year, Tide will award a £10,000 grant to one exceptional female-founded SME, selected by the judging panel from the finalists.
Deadline: 29 July 2026 (check the official website for the latest, as this date may be subject to change)
Ceremony: 2 December 2026 at The Londoner, Leicester Square, London
Entry fee: Free
Website: allbrighteverywoman.com
Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award
Now in its 54th year, the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award is the longest-running international honour for women in business. The 2026 winners were announced in London earlier this year.
Smruti Sriram OBE, chief executive of Bags of Ethics by Supreme Creations, won the Bold Woman Award for building one of Britain’s most influential sustainable manufacturers. Alisha Fredriksson, co-founder of maritime carbon-capture pioneer Seabound, took home the Bold Future Award at age 31.
Past winners include Dame Julia Hoggett DBE (London Stock Exchange), Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert (vaccine scientist), and Anne Pitcher (former CEO of Selfridges Group).
This is a nomination-based award rather than an open application, but it is worth being aware of for future years.
Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs)
Billed as the UK’s largest celebration of women in business, the EVAs recognise female founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the country. The 2026 finalists have already been announced, with winners to be revealed at a ceremony in Blackpool this October.
Categories include Business Woman of the Year, Inspirational Woman, Rising Star, and Social Enterprise of the Year. The programme also includes SheChain Live, a networking and pitching event for women entrepreneurs on 1 October.
Notable 2026 finalists include Emma O’Brien (Embridge Consulting), Tania Benade-Meyer (mutherboard), and Figen Murray OBE (Martyn’s Law campaign).
Ceremony: 2 October 2026, Blackpool
Website: evisionawards.com
Best Businesswomen Awards (BBWA)
The Best Businesswomen Awards celebrate the outstanding success of female entrepreneurs through a black-tie gala event. Every finalist receives either a silver or gold award, meaning recognition is guaranteed for all shortlisted candidates.
The 2026 ceremony takes place on 16 October in London. Early bird tickets are available at £149 plus VAT if booked before 17 August.
Ceremony: 16 October 2026
Website: bestbusinesswomenawards.com
National Business Women’s Awards
The National Business Women’s Awards feature regional and national categories, recognising women across different business sizes and sectors. The 2026 finalists span categories including Micro Business Woman of the Year, Small Business Woman of the Year, Large Business Woman of the Year, Influential Business Woman, and International Women’s Award.
This is a strong option if your business operates at a specific scale, as the size-based categories mean you are competing against businesses of a similar stage rather than being measured against large corporations.
Website: eventsandpr.co.uk/national-business-womens-awards
Inspiring Women Awards
The Inspiring Women Awards celebrate women making a meaningful difference in their communities and industries. The 2026 winners have already been announced, with Lucy Hope winning the Entrepreneur Award for her pioneering work in women’s health technology, creating the world’s first patented bioactive tampon designed to protect the vaginal microbiome.
Other categories include the Third Quarter Women Award (recognising women in later stages of their careers) and the Inspiring Young Woman Award.
Website: inspiringawards.co.uk
Sector-Specific Awards
Empowering Women in Franchising Awards (EWiF)
Run by the British Franchise Association, the EWiF Awards honour women across the franchising sector. The 2026 ceremony took place in May at Leicester Tigers Stadium, with over 100 entries.
Winners included Carla Davison of Basking Babies (Woman Franchisor of the Year and Overall Woman in Franchising), Kaajal Pandit of Boots Opticians (Woman Franchisee of the Year), and Claire O’Connor of babyballet Franchising (Inspirational Woman of the Year).
If you operate a franchise or are considering franchising your business, this is the programme to target for 2027.
everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards
Now in its 19th year, this programme spotlights women in a sector where females account for only 27% of the transport workforce and 20% of logistics workers. The 2026 ceremony takes place on 24 June at the Royal Lancaster London.
Categories include Tech Innovator, Sustainability Champion, Entrepreneur Award, and Male Agent of Change, recognising men who actively support women in the industry.
BPA Empowering Women Awards
The BPA Empowering Women Awards specifically celebrate the achievements of South Asian and ethnic minority women in business across the UK. The 2026 shortlist spans categories including Businesswoman of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Outstanding Woman in Education, and Empowerment Champion.
The awards gala takes place on 25 June 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for founders from underrepresented backgrounds to gain visibility and connect with a supportive community.
Regional Awards Worth Knowing About
Tees Businesswomen Awards
Organised by Tees Business in association with Middlesbrough College Group, this is one of the strongest regional awards programmes in the North East. Now in its ninth year, the 2026 ceremony takes place on 4 November at Hardwick Hall Hotel.
Twelve categories are available, including Businesswoman of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Best New Business, Breaking the Mould, and a Male Ally Award. Entries and nominations are free, with a deadline of 7 September 2026.
Past winners have used the recognition as a springboard for regional and national media coverage, new partnerships, and business growth.
If you are based outside the Tees region, it is worth searching for similar awards in your area. Most major UK cities and regions run their own businesswomen awards, often sponsored by local councils, chambers of commerce, or regional media.
How to Enter (and Win) Women in Business Awards
Entering awards is free for most of the programmes listed above, so the only investment is your time. Here are some practical tips to strengthen your entry.
Tell a story, not a CV. Judges read hundreds of entries. The ones that stand out have a clear narrative: where you started, what challenge you overcame, and what impact your business has made. Numbers matter, but the human story behind them matters more.
Be specific about impact. Instead of “we grew significantly,” say “we increased revenue from £40,000 to £180,000 in 18 months while creating six new jobs in our local community.” Concrete figures make your entry memorable and credible.
Do not undersell yourself. Women are statistically more likely to downplay their achievements. If you have built something meaningful, say so clearly and confidently. The judges want to celebrate you.
Get a second pair of eyes. Ask a trusted colleague, mentor, or friend to review your entry before submitting. They will often spot achievements you have overlooked or help you tighten your narrative.
Enter more than one. There is no rule against entering multiple awards programmes. If your business fits three different awards, enter all three. Each one is a separate opportunity for recognition.
Key Dates at a Glance
Tide everywoman Entrepreneur Awards: entries close 29 July 2026, ceremony 2 December
BPA Empowering Women Awards: gala 25 June 2026
everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards: ceremony 24 June 2026
Enterprise Vision Awards: ceremony 2 October 2026
Best Businesswomen Awards: ceremony 16 October 2026, early bird tickets close 17 August
Tees Businesswomen Awards: nominations close 7 September 2026, ceremony 4 November
Final Thoughts
The number of women in business awards programmes continues to grow each year, reflecting both the increasing contribution of female entrepreneurs to the UK economy and the ongoing need to close the visibility and funding gaps that still hold too many women back.
Whether you win or simply make the shortlist, the process of entering forces you to reflect on your achievements, articulate your story, and put yourself forward in a way that many women find transformative in itself.
If you have built something you are proud of, there is an award out there for you. Start with the list above and take the first step.
This article is regularly updated as new awards programmes are announced. Bookmark this page and check back for the latest deadlines and opportunities.
Liz Wiley is Editor of Prowess.org.uk and a business coach and enterprise trainer with more than 15 years’ experience supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners across the UK.