Business leader and entrepreneur awards to enter in 2026

Running a business or leading a team is no easy task – business leader and entrepreneur awards offer a platform to celebrate those successes, showcase innovation, and gain recognition in your industry. From strategic decisions to inspiring teams, the challenges are real, and so are the successes. So, whether you’re a UK-based founder or leading a global enterprise, celebrate those successes by entering the right award to boost your credibility, attract opportunities, and motivate your team. 

Here’s a fresh guide to the awards worth considering in 2026. 

1. The Great British Entrepreneur Awards

These awards recognise ambitious entrepreneurs who have built scalable businesses or innovative startups. Categories at The Great British Entrepreneur Awards include Rising Star Entrepreneur, Social Impact Entrepreneur, and Innovation Leader. 

If it’s specifically women in business awards you’re looking for, we have a great list of the top ones to enter. View the list here.  

2. Barclays Entrepreneur Awards

Barclays Entrepreneur Awards recognise launching and managing multiple ventures or business exits, embodying innovation, resilience and leadership and much more. Nominations will reopen in June 2026. 

3. Business Leader South West Awards

Run by Business Leader, this awards programme brings UK south-west-based leaders from business, education and government together to recognise and celebrate business success.  

4. PLC Awards: CEO of the Year

The PLC Awards is open to all companies listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. The event is attended by PLC company chairpersons, CEOs, CFOs, investment bankers, fund managers and analysts – a great place to network. 

5. EY Entrepreneur of the Year

This award global programme recognises entrepreneurial achievement among individuals and companies that demonstrate vision, leadership and success. Your business must have been incorporated for two years before entering. Entries are open until March. 

6. Growing Business Awards: Entrepreneur of the Year

The Growing Business Awards celebrate and recognise the exceptional strength and resilience of growing SMEs. The Entrepreneur of the Year category will be awarded to an entrepreneur with outstanding personal ambition and vision and a strong track record of commercial success. 

 7. Everywoman Entrepreneur Awards

The Everywomen Entrepreneur Awards celebrate female business owners, their personal successes and achievements. If you’re looking for more awards that celebrate women and their achievements, check out our blog for the best awards for women in business.  

You’re looking for awards, so what’s next? 

When looking for awards, you want ones that align with your goals, that are achievable and can help you with your social strategy afterwards. Awards are opportunities to tell your story, gain recognition, and inspire your team. Here’s our list of red flags to watch out for when researching or entering awards.  

When you’ve found the best business leader and entrepreneur awards to enter in 2026, our team at Awards Writers are here to help you write that winning entry. Get in touch to see how we can get your name in lights in 2026.