Top tips for writing a winning business award entry that shines

Every year, the judges of the IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards face the challenging task of deciding on the shortlists and ultimate winners from an outstanding calibre of applicants. Nominees face hot competition and need to ensure they capture their business story and stand out from their competition.

Knowing all of this, I know applying can be daunting, BUT it is worthwhile! This year’s new application format means it is even more manageable, and to make sure your nomination shines, I have compiled these tips to get you started.

Dates and deadlines

Be meticulous with the calendar. Applications close on Monday, March 2 at 5pm. Set reminders today. Aim to submit your entry the week before the deadline; this provides the peace of mind that your story is told exactly as intended, without the stress of last-minute tech outages or scheduling conflicts.

Terms and conditions

Eligibility is paramount. Do not assume; verify the T&Cs for each category. There is no value in perfecting an application if you do not meet the criteria. Many categories require a level of financial information; ensure these are ready, because missing financial data can lead to disqualification. If considering multiple categories, review each form carefully to identify where your story fits best.

Strategic review

If your category isn’t immediately obvious, use the T&Cs and entry forms as your compass. Once chosen, interrogate the questions. What is actually being asked? What is the most relevant information to include? If in doubt, seek advice from a previous winner or a trusted mentor.

Gain permission

If you are entering on behalf of someone else, secure their permission early. This ensures you have ample time to gather specific facts, figures and insights that only they can provide.

Evidence is essential

Bold claims catch a judge’s eye, but evidence wins the award. Every achievement mentioned must be backed by data: statistics, screenshots, links or testimonials. Present this evidence clearly within the entry or as a supporting document. Aim to “wow” the panel with a scannable, high-impact list of results.

The “brain dump”

Start by opening a new doc or pulling out a sheet of paper and capturing every thought, success and challenge without self-censoring. Now, consider your positioning: the judges may be unfamiliar with your industry. What is the one thing they must know about you? What’s your big vision? What legacy are you building?

Distil and refine

A “brain dump” is a resource, not a finished entry. Distilling this information is the hardest part of the process. Highlight key areas relevant to your category, cross-check your facts, and identify the narrative that makes your application stand out.

Be precise and concise

Professionalism is found in brevity. Use word limits as a discipline to “cut the fat.” If you have written a rambling paragraph, convert it into a crisp list of bullet points. If you can use one word instead of three, do so. Judges value a snappy, high-density presentation of information. Write your first draft in a Word document to make editing easier – question by question – before the final upload.

Answer every question

A skipped section is a missed opportunity – and a potential disqualification. Ensure every field is completed and all requested documentation is attached.

Financial transparency

Judges understand that a balance sheet doesn’t always tell the whole story, but when financial information is requested, it is mandatory. It provides the necessary context for your business journey. Rest assured, all financial data is treated with the strictest confidentiality.

Tell your story

Does your entry sound like you? Read it back as if you were explaining your career to a peer at the awards ceremony. Ensure you’ve captured your “why”, your future vision and your resilience. If you have pivoted or overcome adversity, share it; grit is a hallmark of a great businesswoman.

The final step back

Step away from your draft for at least 24 hours. Print it out; the eye catches errors on paper that it misses on a screen. Check the flow, eliminate repetitive adjectives, and ensure the tone is consistent.

Just do it

Too many incredible women hold back due to “imposter syndrome” or a lack of time. Don’t let hesitation stop you. If you need a hand, ask a colleague, coach or friend.

This is your moment. Reach out, lean in and claim the recognition you deserve.

For full category criteria and to begin your application, visit our Awards Hub.