Your awards update – June 2026
June 1, 2026
Entrepreneurship awards aren’t just fancy certificates to hang on your office wall; they’re powerful business tools that can transform your startup’s trajectory, business culture, and raise your profile in your industry.
The benefits of winning an award or being on an award shortlist extend far beyond bragging rights. Award recognition can open doors to new partnerships, attract top talent who want to work for a “winning” company, and provide valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders and fellow award recipients. And let’s not forget the media attention; nothing makes journalists perk up like a good underdog-wins-award story.
Here’s a list of notable entrepreneur awards we recommend.
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
This is the Oscar of entrepreneurship awards. EY’s program has been celebrating business excellence for decades, and winners join an exclusive alumni network that includes household names like Howard Schultz of Starbucks and Michael Dell. The application process is rigorous, but the credibility boost is enormous. Regional competitions feed into national and global programs, giving you multiple bites at the apple.
Stevie Awards for Entrepreneurs
Don’t let the quirky name fool you – the Stevie Awards are serious business. With categories covering everything from startup of the year to female entrepreneur recognition, there’s likely a perfect fit for your venture. The international scope means global recognition, and the relatively affordable entry fee makes it accessible for bootstrapped startups.
Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies
For entrepreneurs building truly disruptive businesses, this award carries serious weight in the innovation community. Fast Company’s editorial team hand-picks winners based on groundbreaking ideas and measurable impact. Getting on this list is like getting a stamp of approval from the cool kids’ table of the business world.
If you’re a young entrepreneur, this list is the ultimate career accelerator. Forbes 30 Under 30 alumni have gone on to raise billions in funding and create some of the most talked-about companies of the past decade. The application window is competitive, but the lifetime networking value is immeasurable.
The strategic approach to award applications
Here’s where most entrepreneurs get it wrong – they treat award applications like lottery tickets, throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. Successful award winners approach competitions strategically.
Start by mapping your achievements to award criteria. If you’re a tech startup with impressive user growth, target innovation and growth awards. If you’re solving social problems while building a profitable business, focus on impact and social entrepreneurship categories.
Timing matters too. Plan your applications around major business milestones, product launches, or funding rounds. Awards judges love a good momentum story, and recent achievements carry more weight than dusty old accomplishments.
Make your application shine
Awards judges see hundreds of applications, so yours needs to stand out immediately. Lead with compelling metrics: revenue growth and social impact numbers. Tell a story that connects your personal entrepreneurial journey with your business success. And please, skip the corporate jargon. Judges are human beings who respond to authentic, passionate storytelling.
Whether you’re a first-time founder or a serial entrepreneur, there’s an award out there that aligns with your achievements and aspirations. So, dust off those business accomplishments, craft compelling applications, and start building your trophy case. Your future self (and your investors) will thank you.
But we do understand that you’re busy, so why not let us take Awards off your to-do list? Our awards consultancy service will help identify which awards you should enter and provide you with a calendar you can use for the next year.
