National Awards 2026
Celebrating excellence in Australian women's entrepreneurship, the 2026 WCEI National Awards honour visionary leaders who inspire, support and drive business success, within the values framework of WCEI. Winners will be celebrated in a prestigious Hobart cocktail event on 14 August 2026, and will represent Australia on the global stage at the FCEM Global Awards ceremony.
Timeline
Tuesday 17 March 2026 - Nominations Open
Friday 17 April 2026 - Deadline for Nominations
Saturday 18 April 2026 - Entries Open
Monday 1 June 2026 - Deadline for Entries
Wednesday 3 June - Monday 20 July 2026 - Evaluation and Judging
Friday 14 August 2026 - WCEI National Awards Ceremony
2026 National Award Program Categories
WCEI Entrepreneur of the Year
Recognising Entrepreneurial Excellence
This award recognises and celebrates a WCEI member who has demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurial leadership, business success, and industry impact.
The Shirley Randell AO Award – Community Dedication and Social Impact
Celebrating Extraordinary Social Contribution
This award honours a WCEI member whose personal leadership and commitment have created significant positive social or community impact.
Digital & Technology Innovator Award
Recognising Women Driving Innovation Through Technology
This award recognises a WCEI member who has founded or grown a technology-driven business delivering innovative and disruptive digital solutions.
Environmental Impact Award
Recognising Businesses Advancing Environmental Sustainability
This award recognises a WCEI member whose business delivers significant environmental benefits while maintaining commercial success.
The Dr. Noel Waite AO Award - WCEI Champion and Ambassador
Celebrating Excellence in Advocacy and Leadership
This award recognises a WCEI member who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in championing and advancing the mission of WCEI and FCEM.
Meet 2024 Award Recipient Margot McKinney OAM
Busi Faulkner, Home Care Nurses Australia
2025 Recipient of The Lorraine Martin AO Award
Deborah Wace, Churchill Fellow, Fabric Designer, Ecological Activist, Plant Advocate and Professional printmaker from Tasmania
2025 Recipient of The Shirley Randell AO Award
Kelly Slessor, The E-Commerce Tribe
2025 Recipient of The Digital Innovation Award
Andrea Plawutsky, Amplify Me
2025 Recipient of Dr. Noel Waite AO Award
Tracy Sheen, The Digital Guide
2025 Recipient of Inaugural WCEI Champion Award
Margot McKinney OAM, Fourth Generation Jeweller and Designer
2024 Recipient of The Lorraine Martin AO Australian Entrepreneur of the Year
Rachael Downie, Business Success Mentor, Author and Keynote Speaker
2024 Recipient of The Shirley Randell AO Social Impact Award
Lalita Lowe, Sustainable Educator, Creative Director and Author
2024 Recipient of the WCEI Sustainability in Business Award
Di Tompson, FCEM World VP Asia
2024 Recipient of the WCEI Ambassador of the Year
2024 WCEI National Awards
