The categories are . . .

Growth and expansion: This award will go to to a woman who has achieved successes in expanding the scope of her business into new markets either overseas or closer to home. The availability of turnover figures covering recent years are critical in this category.

Rising star: This award is open to women aged 35 and under who have made their mark in business. The winner is a ‘woman to watch’. She may be a future leader, already head of a team, or quickly rising through the ranks.

Professional woman: This award goes to a woman who holds an occupation in the tertiary sector of the economy requiring specialist training or those who hold a professional licence. They will have a positive mark in their organisation and be well respected by clients etc.

New business/ startup: This award is open to all businesses that have started trading in the past 12 months and whose principal trading base is in Swansea Bay with a woman at its heart either in terms or ownership, directorship or executive control.

Role Model/ Mentor: This award will go to an individual who has mentored individuals in business or entire businesses to achieve greater things over the last 12 months in any sort of educational, training or mentoring role.

Innovation in business: This award will go to a woman who has achieved successes in expanding the scope of her business or businesses through the innovative use of online operations and platforms including websites, e-commerce ventures and/ or specific internetbased products or services.

Best Boss: Is your boss an amazing person work for? We want to know what she does to make you feel special, how she supports your development and what are the best things about working for this person.

Best Networker: This award will be given to the business woman who can show an outstanding contribution and support to other business owners through networking events and by consistently passing along relevant and helpful referrals. It is open to you if you organise and run a networking group or if you regularly attend networking events.

Champion for change: This award is open to both women AND men and recognises exceptional championship of gender equality and diversity in the workplace.

Most Influential woman of the decade: Who has been an influence to you in the business world? For this award we are looking for an amazing and influential story behind a successful business woman.

Lifetime achievement: This category is for women who are seen as pillars of the local business community and who are widely respected for their longevity in business as well as their success. They must have a track record of at least 10 years.

Inspirational woman of the decade: Who has inspired you and encouraged others who may be following in her footsteps. For this award we are looking for an amazing and inspirational story behind a successful business woman.