Open for applications!
📆 Friday 13th November 2026
⏰ 12pm - 7pm
📍 The Beach Ballroom, Beach Esplanade, Aberdeen
The Athena Awards are a celebration of the incredible women entrepreneurs and leaders who are making a significant impact in the business community of Aberdeen. We firmly believe that their accomplishments deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated. By recognizing these women, we hope to inspire others and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in business.
The Awards will take place on Friday 13th November 2026 showcasing and celebrating the achievements and contributions of outstanding women entrepreneurs and leaders in the region.
Together, let's honour the achievements of women in business and pave the way for a brighter future.
Are you interested in sponsoring the Awards? Do you need assistance with your nomination?
Dates to Remember
✨ 2nd June: Nominations Open
✨ 17th August: Nominations Close
✨ 10th September Shortlist Announced
✨ w/c 21st & 28th September: Judging Interviews
✨ 12th October: Finalists Announced
✨ 13th November: Athena Awards 2026
Athena Awards 2026 Categories & Applications
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The Hospitality, Food, Drink and Tourism Award
Sponsored by Aberdeen City Council
This Award showcases women who work in the broadest hospitality industry sector.
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Women in Finance Award
Sponsored by Fifty Financial Planning
This Award showcases creative talent and celebrates a woman who has made an outstanding impact on the business landscape in Scotland. This category includes women working across all areas of Law including Property.
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Hair, Beauty and Fashion Award
Sponsored by Bloom
This Award showcases creative talent and celebrates a woman who has made an outstanding impact on the business landscape in Scotland. This category includes women working across all areas of Hair, Beauty and Fashion.
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Women in Law Award
This Award showcases creative talent and celebrates a woman who has made an outstanding impact on the business landscape in Scotland.
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Health, Wellbeing and Lifestyle Award
This Award showcases women who work within the health, fitness, personal coaching or supports everyone in their lifestyle (eg., interior design, home staging, etc.)
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Women in Business Support and Consultancy Award
This Award showcases women who work as self employed Consultants supporting individuals in areas such as IT, Business Coaching, HR, Property, Estate Agency, Marketing, Social Media, etc).
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Women in PR, Marketing and Communications Award
This Award showcases women who work hard to ensure their clients or stakeholders have excellent PR, Marketing and Comms across all media platforms.
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Women in the 3rd Sector Award
This Award showcases women who work in the challenging 3rd Sector environment.
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The Rising Star Award
Sponsored by Super Human in You
This Award showcases a young woman who is taking the local area by storm and is one to watch!
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Inspirational Woman of the Year
Sponsored by Laurie & Co
This Award showcases creative talent and celebrates a woman who has made an outstanding impact on the business landscape in Scotland. The nominated woman will have to display outstanding achievements in their field of work along with evidence of supporting the community she works within.
Tickets now on sale!
Athena Awards 2026
Friday 13th November 2026, 12 noon - 7pm
The Beach Ballroom, Beach Esplanade, Aberdeen
Athena Awards 2026
Friday 13th November 2026, 12 noon - 7pm
The Beach Ballroom, Beach Esplanade, Aberdeen
Our Judges
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Maya Vertigans
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Joy Kelikume Oziomaaka
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Louise Smith
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Donna McKay
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Shabnum Hanif
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Phionaa McInnes
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Christina Sutherland
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Amanda Aitken
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Nicola Davidson
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Amanda Inglis
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Carol Munro
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Sally Bryant
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Suz Bird
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Fiona Lindsay
FAQ’s
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It is free to enter the awards.
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Nominations can be made on someone’s behalf or by the nominee themself.
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If the nominee meets the criteria, they can be entered into more than one awards category.
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It is not necessary to be a member of BWC Aberdeen to enter the awards, but membership offers many benefits.
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It is necessary for the business to be registered in Scotland, however we will also accept entries if the business or person has a head office outside of Scotland but is based in Scotland.
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All nominations must be submitted by 6pm, Friday 15th August 2025. We will not accept any late entries.
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We will make contact with those shortlisted by Friday 8th September 2025.