Entries are open for awards dedicated to women founders

Women founders from across the north of Scotland are being encouraged to enter the AccelerateHER Awards.

Applications are open for women behind companies focused on being a “force for good” with four new categories – 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 founders or cofounders of companies which are Scottish-based or trading in Scotland.

Now in their eighth year, the AccelerateHER Awards are designed to 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 potentially worth thousands of pounds which includes a sixmonth 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.”

Deadline for entries is December 9 and shortlisted companies will be announced in early January.

The awards event will be at the new Barclays offices in Glasgow on March 16.

More details can be found at www. accelerateher.co.uk/ awards2023

Elizabeth Pirrie.