Scotland Awards 2026
The Female Founder Scotland Awards celebrate women transforming the Scottish business landscape. Whether it’s innovation, leadership or resilience, we honour extraordinary founders making a mark in their industries.
We’re delighted to announce that starting with the Scotland Awards 2026, we will be introducing a brand-new Wedding Industry Award.
Scotland is home to an incredible community of female founders shaping the wedding sector — from planners and stylists to photographers, florists, designers, venue owners and beyond. This new category has been created to recognise the creativity, resilience and entrepreneurial excellence of women building outstanding businesses within this vibrant industry.
The Wedding Industry Award will celebrate founders who deliver exceptional experiences, drive innovation, and make a meaningful impact in their field.
We invite nominations across a wide range of award categories, designed to reflect the breadth, innovation and impact of female founders across Scotland.
Each nomination is an opportunity to recognise outstanding leadership, creativity, resilience and business excellence.
How It Works
Nominations Open: 14 February 2026
Nomination Deadline: 30 March 2026
Founders may be nominated by clients, peers, team members, or may enter themselves (where applicable).
Finalists Announced: 1 April 2026
Finalists will be contacted directly and announced across our platforms.
Public Voting Opens: 1 April 2026
Public Voting Closes: 7 May 2026
Public voting allows communities, clients and supporters to celebrate and champion the female founders making a real impact in business.
Following the close of nominations, the 10 highest-nominated entries in each category will be selected as finalists and advance to public vote.
The Ceremony
The winners of the Female Founder Awards Scotland will be revealed at our awards ceremony.
Location: The Collector’s Hall, Glasgow
Date: TBC
An evening dedicated to celebration, connection and recognising the remarkable women leading and building businesses across Scotland.
More details about the ceremony, tickets and the evening programme will be announced soon.
Industry Awards
Our Industry Awards recognise female founders who are leading the way within specific sectors. From innovation and retail to professional services, hospitality, wellness, creative industries and beyond, these awards celebrate excellence within individual fields. They shine a spotlight on women who are not only building successful businesses, but shaping and advancing their industries through leadership, impact and innovation.
Area Awards
Our Area Awards celebrate outstanding female founders making an impact within their local communities. These awards recognise women who are driving economic growth, creating opportunities and inspiring others across their region. Whether operating in cities, towns or rural areas, Area Award finalists represent the strength, resilience and ambition of female entrepreneurship at a grassroots level.
Story Awards
Our Story Awards honour the journeys behind the businesses. These categories celebrate resilience, determination, and the courage it takes to build and grow a company — often in the face of challenge or adversity. From start-up stories to comeback journeys and purpose-driven missions, these awards recognise the personal strength and leadership that power successful female-founded businesses.
Story Award nominations will stay open until 7 days before the awards ceremony, giving founders additional time to enter.