How to Win a Women in Business Award
Written by Nia Bowers
Do you know a woman in business whose outstanding contributions deserve applause? Women in Business awards celebrate these women's accomplishments and position them for further success. With 2026 just around the corner, now's the time to think about the extraordinary women on your team and nominate them to be recognized.
Here's how to make sure the achievements of female entrepreneurs and professionals at your organization aren't overlooked.
Recognition disproportionately goes to men
The achievements of women deserve to be honored. Yet all too often, the business world still overlooks women's accomplishments.This is evident, first and foremost, in the gender pay gap. Significantly, top female executives are still paid 8 percent less than their male peers for the exact same job. Meanwhile, according to Harvard, only a tiny percentage (2.3%) of venture capital goes to all-female teams of startup founders. That number only rises to 10.4 percent for mixed-gender teams.
In addition, many studies have also found that, in the realm of academe, prizes are disproportionately awarded to men. Researchers have also identified a “Matilda Effect” in the sciences, in which women's ideas, inventions, and work are frequently overlooked in favor of men's.
These are just a few examples of the challenges women face in the paid workforce. Organizations that give awards to businesswomen are working to remedy this situation.
Women in Business Awards put outstanding female executives in the spotlight
Women's business awards acknowledge that businesswomen of all kinds spearhead positive change and make a significant impact across all industries. These programs also put the spotlight on inspirational, transformative female leadership.Many such programs exist, from those that showcase exemplary female innovators and women in STEM fields to those that applaud female founders and business owners. There are many prestigious prizes for female entrepreneurship, as well as every element of operations, trade, and development. Whether a given organization is a new business or an established enterprise, awards programs also seek to highlight the exceptional contributions its team members have made in its industry and community.
While women's achievements often deserve to earn recognition awards in contests that are open to all, there are also programs dedicated exclusively to celebrating the success of impactful female pioneers. One example is the Stevie Awards, which offer a slate of awards solely for women in business.
The benefits of a nomination for influential women and women-led organizations
Completing an effective application and making a nomination does require time and effort, but the rewards of participating are often more than worth it.Studies show that, in general, award-winners enjoy increased status, visibility, and trust. Winning awards can also open the door to networking opportunities, new partnerships, and more. Everyone wants to collaborate with those at the top of their fields. In this way, when female leaders earn awards, it propels them to even greater success.
Even just being nominated for an award can have a salutary effect. When exceptional women team members learn that their employer or boss has regarded their efforts so highly that they have submitted their name for a contest, they feel seen and appreciated. This constitutes an important milestone in and of itself.
As a result, high-achieving women often feel inspired to reach even higher. Indeed, research shows that receiving recognition positively correlates with employee engagement, which in turn correlates with higher performance.
In this way, recognizing women not only advances and elevates them in their own careers but also benefits their entire organization.
Become a winner in 2026
With 2026 just around the corner, it's never too early to start preparing for an awards initiative. While many awards programs have already closed their submission windows, others keep them open 365 days a year. These organizations are always interested in empowering women who innovate in their sector.To find the right competitions to enter, consider your nominees and their unique areas of excellence and expertise, then look for contests that highlight those specific strengths. For instance, if the business owner at your female-led organization has demonstrated outstanding leadership, consider entering her into awards for noteworthy female entrepreneurs and executives. If you know of a talented woman professional who fosters a positive, diverse company culture, consider nominating her for awards programs that recognize her inclusive approach. The better the alignment, the higher her chances of actually winning the award.
Sponsor a great woman entrepreneur or business leader
Do you know a woman whose commitment to excellence could serve as a true role model for others? Consider submitting her name for consideration.Inspiring women deserve to be acknowledged for their dedication, creativity, and innovation. They also serve as beacons of resilience that inspire the next generation of great women leaders. Celebrate their success — nominate an outstanding woman today!
