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Now in their 14th year, the WeDO Scotland Awards recognise outstanding achievement across Scotland’s SME business community.

These are credible, independently judged awards created to celebrate substance, not vanity.

Winning or becoming a finalist is based entirely on the strength of the application, the achievements of the individual or business and, if shortlisted to one of four finalists in each Award category, a face-to-face interview with our Judging Panels. There’s no requirement to buy a table, nor pay for promotional packages to improve the chances of success.

Our Judges look beyond polished marketing and headline figures. They want to understand the decisions made, the challenges overcome, the impact created and the people behind the results.

The Awards recognise established entrepreneurs, high-growth companies, outstanding SMEs, international success, emerging entrepreneurial talent and exceptional executive leadership. Our Lifetime Achievement Award also honours an individual whose contribution to Scottish business deserves special recognition.

Applications are open until 12 noon on Friday the 18th of September.  You can apply directly by clicking below.  Before completing the form, please read through the criteria for each Award category, this information is also on the application form. Remember that you can only apply in ONE category.

Businesses must be SMEs, headquartered in Scotland or have a significant operational presence within Scotland.

APPLICATIONS DEADLINE:  Friday 18th September at 12 noon.

JUDGES INTERVIEWS:  Friday 2nd October & Thursday 8th October.

4 finalists for each Award are shortlisted by the Judges and are required to attend a face-to-face panel interview lasting 25 minutes.  The finalists interviews are taking place in Edinburgh and Glasgow city centres.  The dates of the interviews for each Award are as follows:

FRIDAY 2nd OCTOBER IN GLASGOW CITY CENTRE

International Entrepreneur of the Year

High Growth Company of the Year

SME Business of the Year

THURSDAY 8th OCTOBER IN EDINBURGH CITY CENTRE

Entrepreneur of the Year

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Executive Leader of the Year

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

This Award recognises an exceptional founder who has built a successful, sustainable and profitable business whilst demonstrating outstanding entrepreneurial leadership, innovation and resilience.

Eligibility Criteria

• The founder or co-founder of a business that has been trading for a minimum of three years.
• The business must be able to demonstrate sustained profitability and financial stability.
• The founder must continue to play a significant leadership role within the business.
• Open to entrepreneurs of all ages.

Judges will be looking for:

• A clear entrepreneurial vision and the ability to identify and capitalise on opportunities.
• Consistent business growth over a number of years rather than short-term success.
• Strong commercial performance supported by financial evidence.
• Evidence of innovation, strategic decision-making and resilience.
• A positive culture and effective leadership.
• Meaningful contribution to customers, employees and the wider business community.
• Plans and ambition for future growth.

INTERNATIONAL ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

This Award recognises an entrepreneur who has successfully grown their business beyond the UK and established a meaningful international presence.

Eligibility Criteria

• Founder or co-founder of a business trading for a minimum of three years.
• The business must be trading profitably.
• The business must be generating revenue from international markets through the export of products or services, overseas operations or established international customers.
• Open to entrepreneurs of all ages.

Judges will be looking for:

• Evidence of sustained international growth.
• A clearly defined international strategy.
• Commercial success in overseas markets.
• Innovation and adaptability in entering new territories.
• Strong financial performance.
• Evidence that international activity has become an established part of the business rather than a recent initiative.
• Future plans for continued global expansion.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

This Award recognises an outstanding young entrepreneur who has built a successful and sustainable business at an early stage of their career.

Eligibility Criteria

• Founder or co-founder of a business trading for a minimum of 18 months.
• The business must be trading profitably.
• Applicants must be 35 years of age or under on the closing date for applications.
• The applicant must be actively involved in leading the business.

Judges will be looking for:

• Exceptional entrepreneurial ability and leadership.
• Strong commercial performance and sustainable growth.
• Evidence of overcoming challenges.
• Innovation and originality.
• A positive workplace culture.
• Clear ambition for future growth.
• Contribution to their industry or wider business community.

EXECUTIVE LEADER OF THE YEAR

This Award recognises an exceptional senior executive who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, commercial acumen and strategic vision whilst making a significant contribution to the success of their organisation.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to individuals holding a senior executive leadership position, including but not limited to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Managing Director, Executive Director or an equivalent C-suite or executive leadership role.
• The organisation must have been trading for a minimum of three years.
• The organisation must be able to demonstrate sustained commercial performance and financial stability.
• The applicant must have held their current senior leadership role for a sufficient period to demonstrate meaningful impact on the organisation.
• Open to executives across all sectors and organisations of any size.

Judges will be looking for:

• Outstanding strategic leadership and the ability to inspire, motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• A demonstrable contribution to the commercial success, growth or transformation of the organisation.
• Evidence of delivering measurable business outcomes through effective leadership and decision-making.
• Strong financial, operational or organisational performance influenced by the applicant’s leadership.
• The ability to lead through periods of change, challenge or significant growth.
• A commitment to developing a positive organisational culture, investing in people and promoting strong values.
• Innovation, forward-thinking and a clear vision for the future of the organisation.
• Evidence that their leadership has had a lasting and measurable impact on employees, customers, stakeholders and the wider business.

HIGH GROWTH COMPANY OF THE YEAR

This Award recognises a business that has achieved exceptional and sustainable growth whilst maintaining strong commercial performance.

Eligibility Criteria

• A business trading for a minimum of three years.
• The business must be trading profitably.
• The business must be able to demonstrate ongoing significant and sustained growth.
• Open to businesses of any sector.

Judges will be looking for:

• Exceptional year-on-year growth in turnover and profitability.
• Sustainable rather than one-off growth.
• A scalable business model.
• Strong financial management.
• Investment in people, systems and innovation.
• Customer retention and market expansion.
• Clear plans for continued future growth.

SME BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

This Award recognises an exceptional small or medium-sized business that consistently demonstrates excellence across every aspect of its operations.

Eligibility Criteria

• A business trading for a minimum of three years.
• The business must be trading profitably.
• The business must employ 250 people or fewer.
• Open to businesses across all sectors.

Judges will be looking for:

• Strong and consistent financial performance.
• Outstanding leadership and management.
• Excellent customer service and customer satisfaction.
• Investment in employees and workplace culture.
• Innovation and continuous improvement.
• Operational excellence and sound governance.
• Positive contribution to the local economy, industry or wider community.
• Clear evidence that the business has achieved sustainable success over a number of years.