The Awards have been a beacon of celebration for over a decade and are all about recognising the contributions that women across Northern Ireland make to our economy every day.
Our host, Pamela Ballantine will guide us through the gala awards ceremony, sponsored by Virgin Media O2 Business, as we get set to honour the trailblazing women who have achieved excellence across various local sectors and industries.
Don’t miss your place at the Women in Business Awards - an unforgettable evening of networking, meaningful connections and celebrating the outstanding talent within our business community.
Award for Advancing Diversity in the Workplace | Sponsored by Queen’s University Business School
Award for Best Customer Service | Sponsored by Fibrus
Award for Best Green Business | Sponsored by NIE Networks
Award for Best in Professional Services | Sponsored by Crowne Plaza Belfast
Award for Best Marketing Campaign | Sponsored by STATSports
Award for Best New Start Up | Sponsored by Clarke & Co.
Award for Best Small Business | Sponsored by Wilson Nesbitt
Award for Excellence in IT | Sponsored by Glandore
Award for Outstanding Innovation | Sponsored by Belfast Harbour
Award for Outstanding Apprentice | Sponsored by GRAHAM
Award for Outstanding Management and Leadership | Sponsored by IQ & Co.
Award for Outstanding Mentor | Sponsored by Coca-Cola HBC
Award for Young Businesswoman of the Year | Sponsored by Allstate Northern Ireland
Award for Businesswoman of the Year | Sponsored by Virgin Media O2 Business
1. Entrants must be based and have an office located in Northern Ireland.
2. Please ensure nominees are available on Thursday 12th March 2026 for the Awards Gala.
3. An application form will need to be completed for each entrant. The information provided will be disclosed only to the judges. Do not send any other documents / supporting materials as these will not be accepted.
4. There will be one winner per category (unless otherwise stated).
5. The judges’ decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into before or after the judging. All decisions regarding the judging process are made by our judging panel.
6. Details provided in the application form will potentially be used, with approval, for press releases and web content if the nominee is placed as a finalist or winner, so please ensure it is factually correct - we will not be liable for inaccuracies published based on nomination content and changes may not be possible after publication.
7. Applications that do not meet the entry criteria will not be accepted.
8. Entrants can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else.
9. Entrants can apply for more than one category but must submit a full application each time i.e. one category per application.
Q: Do finalists get a free ticket?
A: No, as a not-for-profit organisation, your support through ticket purchases helps us continue to provide high-quality services across the network.
Q: Can I attend the Awards event if I don't enter?
A: Yes, the Women in Business Awards is a popular event in the Northern Ireland business community. Tickets are available to purchase for anyone who wishes to attend.
Q: Do I need to be a Women in Business member to enter the awards?
A: No, the awards are open to everyone, regardless of membership status.
Q: Can I nominate myself?
A: Yes, you can nominate yourself for any of the award categories. Put yourself out there!
Q: Is it possible to submit entries for multiple categories?
A: Yes, you can submit entries for multiple categories. Please ensure each entry meets the specific criteria for the category.
Q: How do I enter the Business Woman of the Year category?
A: This category is not open to applications and is decided by our independent panel of judges.
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