Award Categories

You will find information about each category below.

All applications will go through first round judging and finalists will be assessed by the judging panel to decide the winner of each category. 

The closing date for all entries midnight at the end of 23 June 2025.

Please enter by completing the Application Form

Winners will be announced at our awards event on 23 October 2025 at voco Grand Central, Glasgow.

See full Terms and Conditions

Read the Application Guide

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START-UP BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by Business Gateway

This award celebrates the entrepreneurial aptitude, vision, ambition, drive and commercial acumen to build a woman-led successful enterprise in Scotland from start-up.  

 

GROWTH BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 

This award celebrates Scotland’s growing women-led businesses and recognises those that have achieved growth and financial performance. This may not necessarily be the largest turnover and may be the percentage of turnover and profit growth achieved. It recognises the businesses who have demonstrated a solid understanding of their competitors, customers, and markets they operate in; and have the foundations in place for continued commercial success.

 

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by HFL Holistic Financial Leadership

(Over 3 years, up to 250 employees, up to £12 million turnover)  

This award recognises the development and growing success of an established woman led business in Scotland, looking at clear values and purpose, business growth, strong financial performance, profitability, and brand awareness achieved in relation to the number of employees and budget.  

 

INSPIRING LEADER OF THE YEAR  

This award recognises a female business leader in Scotland who has contributed to enhancing the landscape for women led businesses. Entrants should demonstrate support and involvement with the women led business community and play an instrumental role in enabling women to start up in business and thrive.  

 

INNOVATION BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

This award recognises the women-led businesses in Scotland that have successfully implemented new ideas, technologies, or approaches to drive growth, improve efficiency, or solve industry-specific problems. Entrants must demonstrate the positive impact of the innovation on the company's performance, customer experience, or industry as a whole. 

 

SERVICE EXCELLENCE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR  

This award is for a woman-led business in Scotland which has demonstrated outstanding service to customers. It recognises businesses that consistently deliver high-quality customer service, are committed to customer satisfaction and go above and beyond to meet customer needs. 

 

RURAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR  

This award celebrates a woman-led business in a rural location in Scotland. It celebrates businesses that have excelled in their respective industries while operating in a rural setting. This category recognises and celebrates businesses that have helped to boost the local economy and inspire other rural entrepreneurs. 

 

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 

This award celebrates the women-led businesses that have made progress in sustainability by transitioning to net-zero, adopting renewable energy, demonstrating efficiency and innovation, and minimising environmental impact by reducing waste and reusing or recycling.

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BUSINESS TO WATCH OF THE YEAR sponsored by HFL Holistic Financial Leadership

This award celebrates a woman-led business progressing an exciting vision, for example applying novel, step-change innovation, utilising disruptive technology, driving societal change or evidencing all-round entrepreneurial flair. 

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PURPOSE-LED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR  

This award is for a women-led business which can demonstrate that it stands for something it believes in, going beyond profit and positively impacting society. The winner will be able to demonstrate that the business model has real purpose, by standing for and taking action on something bigger than its products and services.  

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