Judging the Female Business Awards is a true honour—one that we take very seriously. Our goal is to maintain transparency while ensuring the integrity of the process.
Since launching the awards in 2021, our priority has been to create a fair, thorough, and evidence-based judging system that minimises subjectivity. We believe we’ve achieved the right balance by considering application details, additional supporting information, and involving independent third-party judges.
Key Dates & Timeline
- Nominations & Applications Close: 16th May 2025
- Shortlist Notification: On or around 27th June 2025
- Submission of Additional Details (for shortlisted nominees): Due by 25th July 2025
- Finalist Notification: Shortly after 25th July 2025
- Awards Gala Ticket Purchase Deadline: End of September 2025 (Only those who have purchased a ticket will be eligible to progress as a finalist and overall winner.)
The Judging Process
1. Shortlisting The initial shortlisting process ensures that:
- Entries are placed in the correct categories.
- All required details are provided to move forward in the judging process.
- Businesses are active, trusted, and aligned with the award’s values.
At this stage, we may remove applicants who:
- Are in the wrong category.
- Have a significant number of negative reviews or a poor reputation.
- Cannot be contacted via social media, email, phone, or website within the specified timeframe.
Even at this early stage, we look for self-belief, confidence, and thoughtful applications. For those nominated by someone else, we value genuine, positive feedback and descriptions of their achievements.
2. Submission of Further Details
Shortlisted businesses will be asked to provide additional information, including:
- Their key business achievements and successes over the past 12 months.
- Future goals and aspirations.
- Why they believe they deserve the award and what winning would mean to them.
- Their passion and energy for their business.
We’re looking for authenticity, enthusiasm, and confidence in their responses.
3. Second-Round Judging
Once the additional details are received, each nominee is scored across multiple criteria, including:
- Visibility and brand presence.
- Testimonials and reviews.
- Understanding of their ideal client and their needs.
- Passion and commitment to their business and customers.
Independent judges assess and score each nominee separately. These scores are then combined to determine the category finalists.
4. Finalist Judging
To decide the overall winners, the details provided in Stage 2 are shared with a further panel of independent business owners. Their scores are calculated separately and then combined with the previous total scores to determine the final standings, runners-up, and overall winners.
Our 360-degree approach ensures fairness, with judges from different industries bringing diverse perspectives to the process.
Meet Our Judges
The initial shortlisting is carried out by the founders of the Female Business Awards, who collectively have over 25 years of self-employment experience.
The finalist judging involves award sponsors and additional independent business owners to ensure an impartial and well-rounded evaluation.
Important Notice for Finalists
Finalists must purchase their tickets to the awards gala by the end of September 2025. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the finalist list and overall winner selection.
Attendance at the event is mandatory. We want every finalist and winner present to celebrate their success in person. There’s nothing more disheartening than an awards ceremony where winners are absent—we strive to create a positive, celebratory atmosphere where every achievement is recognised in real time.
We can’t wait to celebrate the incredible talent and achievements of female business owners.
Ready to Nominate or Apply?
If you’re ready to be recognised or know someone who deserves the spotlight, visit our awards page and get started today.
Best of luck to all 2025 applicants! We can’t wait to read your incredible stories.