WeDO Scotland 2025 Awards Categories

Our Awards rank in the most highly respected accolades for the entrepreneurial and business communities in Scotland. The Awards are open to members & non-members of WeDO Scotland and are free to enter. The application process is comprehensive, with the 2 finalists in each Award category interviewed face-to-face by our Judging Panels. Award winners are selected on merit and bear no relevance to the number of tickets purchased nor sponsorship.

Throughout the process, finalists benefit from extensive promotion to the Scottish business community and beyond. Without exception, year on year, shortlisted applicants and Award winners report that they have gained outstanding exposure for both themselves and their businesses, as well as valuable advice & introductions from the Judges.

This year, in recognition of the substantial number of outstanding SME businesses in Scotland, we’re delighted to have added a new Award, the Outstanding SME Business of the Year Award. In total, there are 6 Awards categories which anyone can be nominated for or you can apply directly. Please note that you can only nominate someone or apply for ONE award category.

CATEGORY CRITERIA

Entrepreneur of the Year

The founder of a business which has been trading profitably for a minimum of 3 years. No age limits.

International Entrepreneur of the Year

The founder of a business which has been trading profitably for a minimum of 3 years. The business should be operating globally and importing/exporting products or services. No age limits.

Eco Entrepreneur of the Year

The founder of a business which has been trading profitably for a minimum of 3 years. There must be a demonstrable substantial contribution to environmental sustainability. No age limits,

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

The founder of a business which has been trading profitably for a minimum of 3 years. The age limit for this Award is 35 years and under.

High Growth Company

A business which has been trading for a minimum of 3 years and can demonstrate exceptional levels of sustainable sales growth and profit.

Outstanding SME of the Year

A business which has been trading profitably for a minimum of 3 years. The business should have 250 employees or less and be able to demonstrate excellence in all areas of operation.

THE APPLICATION AND NOMINATION TIMELINE

NOMINATIONS DEADLINE: Thursday 17th April at 5pm.

To nominate an individual or business for the Awards, click HERE.

APPLICATIONS DEADLINE: Tuesday 22nd April at 5pm.

Please note that you can only apply for ONE Award category and remember to complete the additional questions for your Award category.

Click HERE to apply for an Award.

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED: Tuesday 29th April.

JUDGES INTERVIEWS: Wednesday 7th May at 15 Alva Street, Edinburgh.

2 finalists for each Award are shortlisted by the Judges and are required to attend a face-to-face panel interview lasting 30 minutes, please note that finalists must be available on this date. If you are located at a substantial distance, your interview may be conducted online. Please ensure you book this date out of your calendar and if you will be unable to attend the interview, please do not apply for the Awards.