Your complete guide to the IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2024 nominations

Now in its 16th year, the annual IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards spotlight the game-changing contributions of businesswomen to the Irish economy and their indispensable role within the business community, domestically and internationally.

The evening of Friday May 10th will see Ireland’s most inspiring businesswomen gathering for a luxury awards ceremony with an electric atmosphere, where the achievements and successes of every woman in the room will be celebrated, ensuring it is one of the most inspirational, motivating and glamorous events of the business calendar. It is an evening that champions the talent, entrepreneurship, risk-taking and resilience of Irish women and forges connections that have developed into last friendships and strategic business partnerships.

Now is the moment for you to get involved, to put yourself forward to be considered for an award previous winners call “game changing” for their businesses and careers. Or, if you do not think it is your year yet, it is time to nominate a colleague, friend or peer who deserves to be championed for their success.

You will find everything you need to know in this article so keep reading!

What you need to do:

1. Mark your calendar now – May 10th is awards night.
2. Read through the categories (including some new additions!) below.
3. Head to the new IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards Nominations page here where you will find link to download Nomination Forms specific to each category.
4. Download and complete the relevant Nomination Form and get started! Pay attention to all mandatory answers. Incomplete forms will not be considered, so take your time and find the relevant information, but get your Nomination in before they close on Wednesday March 6th.
5. Pop back to the IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards Nominations page here and upload your Nomination Form.
6. Then it’s time to book your ticket below and set your sights on style for the night!
7. If you are still seeking inspiration or motivation, check out the 2024 Hub to meet last year’s winners and to watch the Highlights Reel from the 2023 event.

 

Note:

• Only one form can be used per nomination. If you would like to nominate someone for multiple categories, multiple forms must be completed.
• It is important to note the category of IMAGE Businesswoman of the Year is not open for nominations. The winner of this category, which was awarded to Louise Grubb, CEO and co-founder Trivium Vet, in 2023, will be chosen by the judging panel from nominations to all categories or on judges’ own recommendations.
• The full Judging Criteria can be read here.

The 2024 Award Categories

ENTREPRENEUR of the Year

Nominees are switched-on entrepreneurial women with expert business acumen, who have developed an innovative idea (either a new product or service) from initial concept to commercial success. The business must be in operation, with filed accounts for a minimum of three years and state both turnover and profit in the application. Nominees need to demonstrate a higher propensity for risk, innovation and achievement, along with quantitative evidence of success and growth.

YOUNG BUSINESSWOMAN of the Year (UNDER 35)

These inspiring achievers have great vision and show huge promise in their sector. They have an impressive track record of success, including at least two years at the helm of their own business, and are aged under 35 on December 31, 2023. In order to qualify, nominees must have filed accounts for the business venture they enter for a minimum of two years and state both turnover and profit in the nomination. *Nominees will be required to share proof of age in order to enter this category  

MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL of the Year

Working at a senior level in their organisation, these women demonstrate great  expertise and individual flair for planning, organising, staffing, leading, directing or controlling an organisation. Nominees will have at least five years’ experience in their industry, and/or at least two years’ experience in their current organisation. Industry sectors considered within this category include, but are not limited to, finance, healthcare, human resources, environmental, property, construction, agriculture, marketing, retail, medicine, legal and media.

START-UP of the Year

These enterprising businesswomen have demonstrated entrepreneurial prowess in identifying a niche in the market and establishing a start-up company since January 1, 2022. Nominees must have filed accounts for at least one year, with measures of success including percentage increase in turnover; innovation; increased distribution channels; and state turnover and profit in the nomination. While judges will take particular note of the challenges that the nominee has overcome to date, applications should also include evidence of the business’s potential growth and long-term viability.

CREATIVE BUSINESSWOMAN of the Year

Nominees in this category will have forged a successful career in Ireland and/or overseas by pursuing her creative passions. Her areas of expertise may include, but not limited to, animation, architecture, art, beauty, design, fashion, film, music, etc. Candidates for this award can be self-employed, part of an organisation or work on a consultancy basis. Nominees who are business owners will be required to supply a minimum of two year’s filed accounts. 

CEO of the Year

These highly successful businesswomen occupy the position of Chief Executive Officer, or equivalent, in an Irish or international organisation. Nominees will have occupied their current role for at least two years and have a considerable career story and biography. They will be able to share measures of success, such as a significant contribution to company growth, expansion and success, regardless of business type, underpinned by commitment to diversity, inclusivity and corporate social responsibility, alongside exceptional leadership and management skills. 

STEM PROFESSIONAL of the Year

This award will recognise women operating in the worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Maths. Demonstrating innovation, passion and achievement, the winner stands out in her field; a game changer in the 21st century who has at least three year’s industry experience. She may be an entrepreneur, founder or professional working at a senior level in the STEM world, with proven commercial and/or industry success to back up her achievements to date.

SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION of the Year

As the Environmental, Social and Governance message becomes more integrated into all facets of life and business, we want to recognise the individual who has, in the past 14 months (January 2023-March 2024) made a meaningful difference to environmental impact. Nominees will have not only the credentials, but also the experience and tangible output to demonstrate their influence and expertise across the ESG agenda. Candidates for this award can be self-employed, part of an organisation, an academic, or work on a consultancy basis. 

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR of the Year

In this category there will be two shortlists and awarding two ultimate winners. Nominees for both awards below will be operating in the voluntary or not-for-profit sectors and have occupied her current role for a minimum of two years. This category is open to all registered charities, non-governmental organisations, charitable foundations, community projects and/or social enterprises of any size in Ireland. 

The Community Impact award will recognise a woman who is demonstrating impact at – or inspired – by a grassroots issue. She will be entrepreneurial, passionate and resourceful and driven by a desire to find a solution to a community need. She may be working solo or leading a team and working in a paid or voluntary capacity.

The Charitable Organisation award will go to a woman who is using her industry knowledge, business acumen and expertise to deliver proven impact in Ireland and/or beyond within a charitable organisation. The result of her innovative strategy and leadership will be evident in the governance, accountability and financial stability of the organisation. She may be working in a paid or voluntary capacity.

FAMILY BUSINESSWOMAN of the Year

This award recognises outstanding women who demonstrate significant achievements in a family business. To be eligible, she will be a founder or hold a key leadership role in a business, to which she has a familial connection, and she will have been involved in it for at least two years. This category welcomes family businesses of all sizes and sectors and judges will be looking for women who can demonstrate how their skills, expertise, innovative thinking and values have contributed to the success of the business. 

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION BUSINESSWOMAN of the Year

In this category there will be two shortlists and two ultimate winners. In both awards, we recognise achievement across all strands of diversity, such as, but not limited to, race, age, disability, gender identity and belief.

The D&I Community Advocate award will recognise a pioneering woman who uses her voice and influence to further equality, driven by a community need or grassroots issue. This woman will be trailblazing, campaigning and driven by a desire to make lasting positive change in society. 

The D&I Industry Leader will be spearheading the change agenda in her sector, corporate organisation or large-scale project. This woman will have demonstrated how their leadership has ensured that workplace equality goes beyond policies and practices to leave a lasting legacy.

It’s time to nominate

Now that you have read the categories, it’s time to visit the Nominations Page to download your Nomination Form and start your application. 

Tickets

Tickets are priced at €350 ex VAT.

Business Club members have access to one special rate ticket at €310 ex.VAT and are available to purchase here. Special rate tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited.

If you would like to purchase by invoice, please email events@image.ie.

For event terms & conditions, please visit here.

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