Prime Highlights
- HBW Awards 2026 will recognise inspiring women leaders, entrepreneurs and business teams across the Highlands and Islands.
- The awards highlight women’s growing contribution to business leadership, mentorship and regional economic growth.
Key Facts
- Highland Business Women has supported professional women and entrepreneurs for more than 30 years.
- The Woman of Inspiration award honours women who mentor others and make a positive contribution to business and society.
Background
Highland Business Women will recognise women entrepreneurs, business leaders and professional teams through the HBW Awards 2026, celebrating contributions made by women across the Highlands and Islands region.
The awards programme aims to highlight leadership, innovation and community impact while encouraging more women to grow their businesses and careers.
Rachel Hunter, director of enterprise and community support at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said the Team of the Year category will recognise collective success and the impact created by strong teams.
She noted that the awards continue to provide an important platform for showcasing ambitious and inspiring women leaders in the region. She also highlighted ongoing efforts to support women in leadership through programmes focused on confidence-building, skill development and business growth.
The awards include the Woman of Inspiration category, which recognises women who support and mentor others, contribute strongly to business, and create a positive impact in society. Organisers said judges will also consider how nominees give back to their communities and industries.
The application and nomination process for the awards is free and available through an online platform. Finalists are expected to be announced in July, while the awards ceremony will take place in August in Inverness.
For the past three decades, Highland Business Women has supported professional women by creating opportunities for networking, learning and business development.
The awards continue to highlight the growing role of women in strengthening regional businesses, leadership and the wider economy across the Highlands and Islands community through entrepreneurship, mentorship and professional achievement.
