Wales Awards 2026
The Female Founder Wales Awards recognise and celebrate women shaping the future of business across Wales. From innovation and leadership to resilience and growth, we honour exceptional founders making a lasting impact in their industries.
We invite nominations across a wide range of award categories, designed to reflect the breadth, innovation and impact of female founders across Wales.
Each nomination is an opportunity to recognise outstanding leadership, creativity, resilience and business excellence.
How It Works
Nominations Open: 14 December 2025
Nomination Deadline: 10 January 2026
Founders may be nominated by clients, peers, team members, or may enter themselves (where applicable).
Finalists Announced: 15 February 2026
Finalists will be contacted directly and announced across our platforms.
Public Voting Opens: 17 February 2026
Public Voting Closes: 30 March 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 winners of the Female Founder Awards Wales will be revealed at our awards ceremony.
Location: TBC
Date: TBC
An evening dedicated to celebration, connection and recognising the remarkable women leading and building businesses across Wales.
More details about the ceremony, tickets and the evening programme will be announced soon.
The Ceremony
Industry Awards
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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
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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.