Individual Women Awards Categories

These categories will recognize the achievements since July 1, 2024 of individual female entrepreneurs, executives and employees.

Nominations that won in the 2025 Stevie® Awards for Women in Business may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be submitted to the same categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Information to be submitted online for entries in these categories in the 2026 competition include

1. Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated individual’s achievements since July 1, 2024, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

a. Briefly describe the nominated organization or individual: history and past performance (up to 1,500 characters). Required
b. Outline the organization’s or individual’s achievements since the beginning of July 2024 that you wish to bring to the judges’ attention (up to 1,900 characters words). Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization’s past performance (up to 1,900 characters). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination. (up to 1,900 characters). Optional

2. Optional (but highly recommended), a collection of supporting files and web addresses that you may upload to our server to support your entry and provide more background information to the judges. These might be planning documents, press clippings, work samples, photographs, video clips, etc.

A01. Best Female CEO of the Year
Recognizing women serving as CEO or managing director who have shown visionary leadership, strategic excellence, and measurable results in organizational growth and transformation since July 1, 2024

A02. Best Female Entrepreneur – Business Products – 10 or Less Employees
Best Female Entrepreneur of the Year — These categories will recognize women entrepreneurs who have founded or co-founded and led successful organizations since July 1, 2024. Eligible nominees may include founders, co-founders, owners, or women who established and continue to lead their businesses, and who have demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurial achievement, innovation, business growth, and leadership.

A03. Best Female Entrepreneur – Business Products – 11 to 2,500 Employees

A04. Best Female Entrepreneur – Business Products – More Than 2,500 Employees

A05. Best Female Entrepreneur – Business Services – 10 or Less Employees

A06. Best Female Entrepreneur – Business Services – 11 to 2,500 Employees

A07. Best Female Entrepreneur – Business Services – More Than 2,500 Employees

A08. Best Female Entrepreneur – Consumer Products – 10 or Less Employees

A09. Best Female Entrepreneur – Consumer Products – 11 to 2,500 Employees

A10. Best Female Entrepreneur – Consumer Products – More Than 2,500 Employees

A11. Best Female Entrepreneur – Consumer Services – 10 or Less Employees

A12. Best Female Entrepreneur – Consumer Services – 11 to 2,500 Employees

A13. Best Female Entrepreneur – Consumer Services – More Than 2,500 Employees

A14. Best Female Solo Entrepreneur
This category will recognize the achievements of women business owners who work alone

A15. Breakthrough Innovator of the Year
This category will recognize innovators under the age of 30 in any industry. The nominee should have been 29 years old or younger at some point since July 1, 2024

A16. Female Innovator of the Year – Government or Non-Profit – 10 or Less Employees
These categories will recognize women in government, education, and nonprofit organizations who have demonstrated exceptional innovation since July 1, 2024, through the development of new ideas, programs, services, initiatives, technologies, policies, or processes that have delivered meaningful impact within their organizations or communities. There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.

A17. Female Innovator of the Year – Government or Non-Profit – 11 to 2,500 Employees
There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.

A18. Female Innovator of the Year – Government or Non-Profit – More Than 2,500 Employees
There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.

A19. Female Executive of the Year – Business Products – 10 or Less Employees
These categories will recognize female executives who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, business achievement, and organizational impact since July 1, 2024. Eligible nominees may include C-suite executives, presidents, vice presidents, managing directors, general managers, department heads, and other senior leaders across all industries and organization types.

A20. Female Executive of the Year – Business Products – 11 to 2,500 Employees

A21. Female Executive of the Year – Business Products – More Than 2,500 Employees

A22. Female Executive of the Year – Business Services – 10 or Less Employees

A23. Female Executive of the Year – Business Services – 11 to 2,500 Employees

A24. Female Executive of the Year – Business Services – More Than 2,500 Employees

A25. Female Executive of the Year – Consumer Products – 10 or Less Employees

A26. Female Executive of the Year – Consumer Products – 11 to 2,500 Employees

A27. Female Executive of the Year – Consumer Products – More Than 2,500 Employees

A28. Female Executive of the Year – Consumer Services – 10 or Less Employees

A29. Female Executive of the Year – Consumer Services – 11 to 2,500 Employees

A30. Female Executive of the Year – Consumer Services – More Than 2,500 Employees

A31. Female Executive of the Year – Government or Non-Profit – 10 or Less Employees
There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.

A32. Female Executive of the Year – Government or Non-Profit – 11 to 2,500 Employees
There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.

A33. Female Executive of the Year – Government or Non-Profit – More Than 2,500 Employees
There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.

A34. Best Female Entrepreneur in Asia, Australia or New Zealand
The entrepreneur categories are for women who founded their organizations. The executive categories are for women who run all or some part organizations founded by others. Employee totals are for the entire organization.

A35. Female Executive of the Year in Asia, Australia or New Zealand
The entrepreneur categories are for women who founded their organizations. The executive categories are for women who run all or some part organizations founded by others. Employee totals are for the entire organization.

A36. Best Female Entrepreneur in Canada
The entrepreneur categories are for women who founded their organizations. The executive categories are for women who run all or some part organizations founded by others. Employee totals are for the entire organization.

A37. Female Executive of the Year in Canada
The entrepreneur categories are for women who founded their organizations. The executive categories are for women who run all or some part organizations founded by others. Employee totals are for the entire organization.

A38. Best Female Entrepreneur in Europe, the Middle East & Africa
The entrepreneur categories are for women who founded their organizations. The executive categories are for women who run all or some part organizations founded by others. Employee totals are for the entire organization.

A39. Female Executive of the Year in Europe, the Middle East & Africa
The entrepreneur categories are for women who founded their organizations. The executive categories are for women who run all or some part organizations founded by others. Employee totals are for the entire organization.

A40. Female Entrepreneur or Executive of the Year in Mexico, Central & South America
The entrepreneur categories are for women who founded their organizations. The executive categories are for women who run all or some part organizations founded by others. Employee totals are for the entire organization.

A41. Female Social Activist of the Year
Recognizing women who have led impactful advocacy or grassroots movements addressing urgent social issues such as gender equality, climate justice, education access, racial justice, or human rights, whether online, on the ground, or both, since July 1, 2024. There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.

A42. Female Venture Capital / Investor of the Year (New for 2026)
Honoring women who have founded and led a purpose-driven enterprise that blends sustainable business models with measurable social or environmental impact with particular emphasis on empowerment, equity, and systemic change since July 1, 2024

A43. Female Social Entrepreneur of the Year
Honoring women who have founded and led a purpose-driven enterprise that blends sustainable business models with measurable social or environmental impact with particular emphasis on empowerment, equity, and systemic change since July 1, 2024.

A44. Global Expansion by Woman Entrepreneur
Honoring female entrepreneurs who have successfully scaled their business across borders, entering new markets, forming international partnerships, or building a global brand since July 1, 2024

A45. Most Innovative Woman of the Year – Accounting & Finance
These categories will recognize individual women for the innovations they initiated, developed, or launched since the beginning of July 2024. Choose the category that corresponds to your nominee’s industry, not her job function

A46. Most Innovative Woman of the Year – Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations
These categories will recognize individual women for the innovations they initiated, developed, or launched since the beginning of July 2024. Choose the category that corresponds to your nominee’s industry, not her job function

A47. Most Innovative Woman of the Year – Business Services
These categories will recognize individual women for the innovations they initiated, developed, or launched since the beginning of July 2024. Choose the category that corresponds to your nominee’s industry, not her job function

A48. Most Innovative Woman of the Year – Consumer Services
These categories will recognize individual women for the innovations they initiated, developed, or launched since the beginning of July 2024. Choose the category that corresponds to your nominee’s industry, not her job function

A49. Most Innovative Woman of the Year – Franchising
These categories will recognize individual women for the innovations they initiated, developed, or launched since the beginning of July 2024. Choose the category that corresponds to your nominee’s industry, not her job function

A50. Most Innovative Woman of the Year – Healthcare
These categories will recognize individual women for the innovations they initiated, developed, or launched since the beginning of July 2024. Choose the category that corresponds to your nominee’s industry, not her job function

A51. Most Innovative Woman of the Year – Industry
These categories will recognize individual women for the innovations they initiated, developed, or launched since the beginning of July 2024. Choose the category that corresponds to your nominee’s industry, not her job function

A52. Most Innovative Woman of the Year – Government or Non-Profit
These categories will recognize individual women for the innovations they initiated, developed, or launched since the beginning of July 2024. Choose the category that corresponds to your nominee’s industry, not her job function. There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.

A53. Most Innovative Woman of the Year – Manufacturing
These categories will recognize individual women for the innovations they initiated, developed, or launched since the beginning of July 2024. Choose the category that corresponds to your nominee’s industry, not her job function

A54. Most Innovative Woman of the Year – Social Media
These categories will recognize individual women for the innovations they initiated, developed, or launched since the beginning of July 2024. Choose the category that corresponds to your nominee’s industry, not her job function

A55. Most Innovative Woman of the Year – Technology
These categories will recognize individual women for the innovations they initiated, developed, or launched since the beginning of July 2024. Choose the category that corresponds to your nominee’s industry, not her job function

A56. Creative Woman of the Year
This category will recognize individuals who excel in creative fields, including those only in creative fields. Designers, artists, illustrators, photographers

A57. Best Young Female Entrepreneur
This category will recognize the achievements of female entrepreneurs under the age of 30. The nominee should have been age 29 or younger at some point since July 1, 2024

A58. Maverick of the Year
This category will recognize the achievements of female individuals who have effected positive change on their companies and/or industries

A59. Most Resilient Female Leader
This category will recognize the achievements of resilient female leaders since July 1, 2024

A60. Lifetime Achievement – Business
These categories will recognize individual executives and entrepreneurs who have achieved accomplishments of significance over their entire careers. There is no eligibility period requirement for these categories.

A61. Lifetime Achievement – Government or Non-Profit
These categories will recognize individual executives and entrepreneurs who have achieved accomplishments of significance over their entire careers. There is no eligibility period requirement for these categories.

A62. Mentor or Coach of the Year – Business
These categories will recognize the achievements of women who provided support and guidance to other women in the workplace.

A63. Mentor or Coach of the Year – Consumer
These categories will recognize the achievements of women who provided support and guidance to other women in the workplace.

A64. Mentor of Coach of the Year – Finance
These categories will recognize the achievements of women who provided support and guidance to other women in the workplace.

A65. Mentor or Coach of the Year – Government or Non-Profit
These categories will recognize the achievements of women who provided support and guidance to other women in the workplace. There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.

A66. Mentor or Coach of the Year – Health/Wellness
These categories will recognize the achievements of women who provided support and guidance to other women in the workplace.

A67. Mentor or Coach of the Year – Marketing/Public Relations/Social Media
These categories will recognize the achievements of women who provided support and guidance to other women in the workplace.

A68. Women Helping Women – Business
These categories will recognize the achievements of women who provided support and assistance to women in their communities.

A69. Women Helping Women – Government or Non-Profit
These categories will recognize the achievements of women who provided support and assistance to women in their communities. There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.

A70. Women Helping Women – Social Change
These categories will recognize the achievements of women who provided support and assistance to women in their communities. There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.

A71. Female Employee of the Year – Business
This category will recognize the achievements of non-executive female employees. There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.

A72. Female Employee of the Year – Government or Non-Profit
This category will recognize the achievements of non-executive female employees. There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.

A73. Social Change Maker of the Year – Disability
These categories will recognize the achievements since July 1, 2024 of women who provided support and assistance to women in their communities and for work done on progressing diversity and inclusion in business and the community. There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.

A74. Social Change Maker of the Year – Gender
These categories will recognize the achievements since July 1, 2024 of women who provided support and assistance to women in their communities and for work done on progressing diversity and inclusion in business and the community. There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.

A75. Social Change Maker of the Year – LGBTIQ
These categories will recognize the achievements since July 1, 2024 of women who provided support and assistance to women in their communities and for work done on progressing diversity and inclusion in business and the community. There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.

A76. Social Change Maker of the Year – Race
These categories will recognize the achievements since July 1, 2024 of women who provided support and assistance to women in their communities and for work done on progressing diversity and inclusion in business and the community. There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.

A77. Women in Family Business Leadership
Recognizing female leaders who have played a transformative role in a family-owned business, whether through succession planning, modernization, intergenerational leadership, or expansion since July 1, 2024

A78. Women’s Rights Advocate of the Year
Recognizing activists, influencers, or public figures who champion gender equality and women’s rights since July 1, 2024. There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.

A79. Woman Scientist of the Year
Recognizing breakthrough achievements by women in scientific research and innovation since July 1, 2024

A80. Woman of the Year
These categories will recognize individual women, regardless of their titles, positions, or entrepreneurial or executive status, for their achievements since July 1, 2024, in the following industry sectors. Choose the category that corresponds to your nominee’s industry, not her job function
a. Accounting & Finance
b. Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations
c. Business Services
d. Consumer Services
e. Energy and Utilities (New for 2026)
f. Education
g. Franchising
h. Woman of the Year – Healthcare
i. Hospitality and Tourism (New for 2026)
j. Industrial and Manufacturing (New for 2026)
k. Government or Non-Profit - There are no entry fees for this category, but the $55/entry late fee will apply to nominations submitted after July 23.
l. Legal (New for 2026)
m. Media and Entertainment (New for 2026)
n. Real Estate (New for 2026)
o. Retail / E-Commerce (New for 2026)
p. Social Media
q. Technology