Prime Highlights
- The 2026 Women in Business Awards will take place on 12 March 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, introducing a new Growth & Scaling Business of the Year category.
- The awards celebrate leadership, innovation, and achievement among women across Northern Ireland, reflecting the rise of high-growth ventures led by women.
Key Facts
- The 2026 edition features 11 award categories, including a split for Young Businesswoman of the Year into employee and entrepreneur recognitions.
- Nominations are open until 19 January 2026, with finalists joining a network of over 300 professionals to support personal and professional growth.
Background
Entries have officially opened for the 2026 Women in Business Awards, which will return on 12 March 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. This year’s awards introduce a new category, the Growth & Scaling Business of the Year, designed to recognise businesswomen who are expanding their operations and entering new markets across Northern Ireland and beyond.
Now in its 14th year and sponsored by Virgin Media O2 Business, the Women in Business Awards remain one of the region’s leading platforms for celebrating leadership, innovation, and achievement among women professionals and entrepreneurs. The 2026 edition will feature 11 award categories highlighting excellence across a wide range of industries.
Women in Business Managing Director, Lorraine Acheson, said the expanded categories reflect the evolving business landscape and the rising number of high-growth ventures led by women. She noted that the awards continue to honour those who contribute not only to the economy but also to their communities. Acheson encouraged members, partners, and the wider business sector to submit nominations before the deadline of 19 January 2026.
One of the night’s most prestigious honours, Young Businesswoman of the Year, has been divided into two separate awards, one for employees and one for entrepreneurs, to acknowledge the growing number of young women establishing businesses across Northern Ireland.
The ceremony will also feature Caroline O’Neill and the Digg Podcast team, who will interview winners during the event. Pamela Ballantine, a long-time supporter of Women in Business, will again host the evening. Over the years, the awards have celebrated achievers across sectors such as tourism, media, energy, technology, and public services.
Jo Bertram, Managing Director at Virgin Media O2 Business, said the company is proud to support an event that highlights the accomplishments of women and inspires future leaders. Finalists will join the Women in Business Award Finalist Alumnae, a network of more than 300 professionals aimed at strengthening personal and professional growth.
