Female founders from across the north of Scotland are being encouraged to enter the AccelerateHER Awards.
Applications are now open for women behind companies focused on being a “force for good” with four new categories.
These include technology, health, environment and culture.
A “rising star” award for the female founder with the best early-stage business idea will also be presented.
The awards, supported by the Scottish Government, are open to women who are founders or co-founders of companies which are Scottish-based or actively trading in Scotland.
Mentoring programme on offer
Now in their eighth year, the AccelerateHER Awards provide a springboard to growth for participants by opening doors to new opportunities and market-building connections through the organisation’s global network.
Winners will benefit from a prize package that is potentially worth thousands of pounds and includes a six-month mentoring programme from Investing Women Angels, Scotland’s first all-female business angel group.
Elizabeth Pirrie, the organisation’s chief executive, said: “Over the last seven years, the AccelerateHER Awards has helped inspire and support hundreds of female-led companies, including those based in the north and north-east of Scotland.
“It provides an ideal platform that enables aspirational women to connect with our global network of angel investors, commercial advisers and other successful business people.
“The financial impact has also been significant, with the companies involved in the AccelerateHER programme securing more than £45 million in external investment.
“I would encourage women behind growth-focused companies that aim to be a force for good to come forward and apply.”
Attracted thousands of female founders
Many former awards participants have also secured places on AccelerateHER trade missions to Europe, North America and the Middle East, to showcase their business to industry contacts and global investors.
To date, more than 5,500 female founders have joined the AccelerateHER community.
To apply for the 2023 AccelerateHER Awards, entrants will complete a short application form, which includes a description of how their business is a force for good, and submit a brief video pitch outlining their business, its ambitions, growth plans and international potential.
Celebrate achievements of women
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “The AccelerateHER Awards are a fantastic way of recognising and celebrating the achievements and contributions of women in Scotland’s entrepreneurial landscape.
“The Scottish Government is working to identify and support additional ways to unlock the full potential of Scotland’s entrepreneurs and at the same time address the existing entrepreneurial gender gap.
“Gender equality in business is essential for Scotland to achieve its vision of becoming the most entrepreneurial and innovative society in the world.”
Deadline for entries is December 9 and shortlisted companies will be announced in early January.
Winners will be selected for each category at the awards final event being held at the new Barclays campus in Glasgow on March 16.
More details can be found here.
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