Business Awards for Women in Business Who Are Changing the Game

Do you know a businesswoman or a group of businesswomen who are making exceptional contributions to their organization or industry? Nominating these extraordinary women for business awards celebrates and recognizes their invaluable contributions to the business community. Shining the spotlight on their remarkable achievements also helps inspire the next generation of female leaders.

Here’s an explanation of the various awards for women in business, along with tips on how to win them.

The importance of recognizing women in business

The achievements of women have long been overlooked. Historically, women’s inventions have often been credited to their husbands or other men, while companies (and, for some, even the government) have ignored their patents.

Take the case of famous actress and scientific researcher Hedy Lamarr, whose patent on “frequency hopping” — the precursor to today’s WiFi — was ignored for decades. There’s also the example of Marion Donovan, the creator of disposable diapers, whom diaper companies conveniently overlooked. And while the board game Monopoly is often credited to Charles Darrow, it was actually the brainchild of Elizabeth Magie Phillips, who created it as a protest against the consolidation of wealth. While each of these inventions was created by an entrepreneurial woman, history has frequently attributed the success of their innovations to men.

These are just a few notable historical examples of the challenges faced by women, but the truth is that the world of business continues to sideline women in a number of ways. Indeed, as David Smith, a researcher from Johns Hopkins’ Carey Business School, explains, “Gender inequities are systemic to workplaces and impact everyone.”

Ensuring that women’s outstanding achievements are acknowledged and recognized through awards is one of the primary ways businesses and industries can showcase women’s exceptional abilities, promote gender equality, and empower women.

Business awards honor influential women

Many award programs exist that recognize female leaders in the business landscape. For instance, the National Association of Women Business Owners has an annual awards program. Nominees are judged not only on their commitment to excellence in business but also for the transformative impact they have on their surrounding communities.

Another of the best-known achievement awards programs is the Stevie Awards for Women in Business. This organization offers several categories for women entrepreneurs, with separate Best Female Entrepreneur of the Year awards given out for companies of different sizes as well as different types of products or services. If you know of a woman whose entrepreneurship or transformative leadership has set new standards, then consider nominating her for these accolades.

But that’s not all. The Stevie Awards also offer options for women in STEM, women in technology, and for women who spearhead initiatives in social media, marketing, and the media. Of course, women are also free to enter the other Stevies that the organization offers across all industries. 

In short, no matter what outstanding contributions and achievements the women at your organization have made, some award highlights those accomplishments — it’s just a matter of finding it.

International awards for outstanding female leadership

When it comes to global recognition for women’s business, perhaps the most coveted accolade is to be listed on Forbes’ list of the Most Powerful Women in the World. This renowned business publication releases its list annually, commending female executives and government leaders who have shown outstanding leadership in various industries. For instance, General Motors CEO Mary Barra, Chairman and CEO of Fidelity Investments Abigail Johnson, and Chair and CEO of Accenture Julie Sweet are named among the top 10 on the 2024 list. 

While inspiring women leading global businesses like these demonstrate exceptional acumen in international business, many awards exist for female-led businesses of all kinds.

Awards for women-led and women-owned businesses

If you know exceptional businesswomen, then consider submitting them for recognition in their respective fields. To find the right awards, ask yourself in what ways they have had a significant impact or disrupted the industry as innovators, and then look for the women’s awards programs that highlight women’s achievements of that kind.

In addition, some award programs celebrate businesses that provide products and services specifically for women. Some of these are technology awards, while others elevate superior product design or development. Others commend groundbreaking packaging, appealing branding, or effective marketing.

To find out the criteria for entries, do a quick Google search and visit the awards’ websites. In particular, pay close attention to the contests’ timelines, as there is usually only a limited window to submit a nomination. If you’ve missed the chance to apply this year, then make a note on your calendar to try again when the window reopens.

Celebrate women business leaders in 2025

The impactful achievements of female business leaders and other women who excel deserve our full-throated appreciation. For that reason, consider nominating the women who inspire you. 

If you are a female entrepreneur, member of the C-Suite, or founder of a new business, then don’t hesitate to nominate yourself and your business for these awards. Women frequently underestimate the impressiveness of their own achievements. Individuals and organizations that fit the criteria for these awards shouldn’t second-guess themselves. As a leader in the business world, you inspire others.

Women across the business landscape deserve appreciation for driving success and making significant contributions to their respective niches. Awards programs validate women who are changing the game!