FBW Awards: Recognizing Outstanding Women Leaders and Women-Founded Companies
The FBW Quarterly Awards spotlight women who are building groundbreaking companies and leading transformational change across industries. From innovative startups to executive leaders driving strategic vision, we recognize the excellence that’s shaping the future of business.
Who We Recognize
Women founders building companies that matter - whether you’re revolutionizing an industry, creating social impact, or scaling the next generation of innovation.
Women executives driving real change - from strategic leadership to marketing transformation, from legal innovation to health and wellness impact.
Why These Awards Matter
Women leaders consistently deliver extraordinary results, yet recognition often lags behind achievement. These awards change that - creating visibility, building networks, and celebrating the leaders who deserve to be known.
Q3 2026 Winners Announced
Meet the founders who took home this quarter's awards. Applications for Q4 2026 are open below.
Meet the Q3 2026 Winners →Simple Process
Register Your Application
$69 application fee. Takes just a couple of minutes. Deadline November 25th.
Complete Your Form
Submit by November 30th. Takes 15-20 minutes.
Winners Announced
Editorial review, then winners are featured across all platforms on December 10.
Q4 2026 Timeline
Two Award Tracks
Whether you're leading a groundbreaking company or driving innovation as an executive, we recognize excellence across both entrepreneurship and leadership.
Company Awards
Recognizing companies founded by women making real impact across industries.
Groundbreaking products or approaches
Women-founded PR/marketing agencies creating brand transformation
Women-founded law firms driving innovation in legal services
Women-founded consulting and advisory firms delivering transformational business results
Women-founded coaching and mentorship practices and programs helping people grow in their careers, leadership, money and wellbeing
Women-founded accounting, bookkeeping, tax, and financial advisory firms delivering trusted financial results
Women-founded fashion, home, and lifestyle brands creating beautiful, distinctive products
Women-founded beauty and personal care brands creating distinctive, high-quality products
Women-founded bakeries, restaurants, catering companies, and food and beverage brands
Women-founded independent shops and local businesses that bring character to their community
Women-founded event, hospitality and experience agencies creating moments that bring people together
Women-founded companies transforming health, mental health, and wellbeing
Businesses creating meaningful positive change
Media, editorial, and content platforms building community through storytelling
Emerging companies with remarkable potential
Venture capital firms founded by women backing the next generation of companies
Individual Leader Awards
Spotlighting women in senior roles driving transformation and innovation.
Exceptional strategic vision and execution
CMOs and brand strategists driving market transformation
Female attorneys and legal leaders driving innovation in the profession
Leaders transforming health, mental health, and wellbeing
Rising leaders making significant impact
Female investors and partners shaping the future of venture capital
Fractional CMOs, CFOs, COOs, and other fractional executives helping businesses grow without a full-time hire
Executive assistants and operations professionals whose work keeps founders, leaders, and businesses running
Women leading HR, people and culture teams who shape how great companies work
Recruiters, talent partners, and executive search leaders connecting companies with exceptional people
Women authors whose books have made a meaningful impact on business, leadership, or their industry
Women writers, editors, and speakers whose voices shape the conversation and inspire others
Winner Spotlight
Real recognition, real reactions. Here's what happened when our winners shared the news.
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Winner Benefits
Recognition that creates real visibility and networking opportunities.
📰 Featured Profile
In-depth article on FoundedByWomen.org reaching our engaged community.
📱 Promotion
Multi-platform promotion across social channels and email newsletter.
🏆 Winner Assets
Digital badge and certificate for your marketing materials.
🤝 Network Access
Connect with other recognized leaders in our winner community.
📊 Quarterly Showcase
Featured in our comprehensive winners report.
🎯 Industry Visibility
Exposure among peers, partners, and industry influencers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply, and from which countries?
The awards are open to women everywhere. Our community is based mainly in the US, the UK and Europe, and we welcome applications from other regions too. Everything happens online, so there is nothing to attend or travel to.
Is there only one winner per category?
No. We recognize multiple winners and honorees in each category, not just one. The exact number depends on the entries we receive.
Do I need to be a founder to apply?
Not necessarily. Company Awards are for female-founded businesses, while Individual Leader Awards are for executives, leaders, fractional executives, authors and other women professionals. If you do not see a category that fits your work, email us at awards@foundedbywomen.org and we will find the right one.
How much does it cost?
The application fee is $69. Applicants in the UK pay £50 and applicants in the euro zone pay EUR 60. If you would like to pay in your local currency, email us and we will help.
What happens after I pay the application fee?
You will be taken to the application form, which takes 15-20 minutes. The fee is due by November 25th and the form by November 30th. If the form does not open after payment, email awards@foundedbywomen.org and we will send you the link right away.
How are winners chosen?
Every application goes through an editorial review by our team. Winners and honorees are announced on December 10 and featured across all Founded by Women platforms.
What do winners receive?
Multi-platform promotion, a digital badge and certificate for your own marketing, a place in our quarterly winners showcase, and access to our network of recognized women. See Winner Benefits above for the full list.