Marking a defining milestone in its local journey, the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award returns to South Africa for its fifth year, continuing to spotlight the visionaries who are reshaping industries and driving meaningful change. Entries for the 2026 edition of the award will open from 2nd March to 12th April.
Recognised as one of the most esteemed accolades for female founders and CEOs globally, the award invites women entrepreneurs who are ready to elevate their businesses, expand their visibility, and join a powerful global community to enter.
At the heart of Bold by Veuve Clicquot, the Bold Woman Award celebrates women who don’t just build successful companies but who lead with audacity and purpose, echoing the pioneering spirit of Madame Clicquot herself. Since its inception in 1972, the Award has honoured women who challenge convention, amplify new ways of doing business, and create impact that extends far beyond their own enterprises.
The Bold Future Award spotlights rising entrepreneurs with the potential to shape the future
To date, almost 500 women across 27 countries have been honoured, forming a global network of bold female leaders whose stories inspire courage and progress. The Bold Woman Award recognises established leaders who have built successful businesses.
Together, these categories reflect Veuve Clicquot’s commitment to supporting women at different stages of their entrepreneurial journeys, while ongoing global research and barometer studies continue to highlight the realities faced by women in business.
Over the past five years, South Africa’s Bold Woman Award winners across both categories have showcased the remarkable depth and diversity of female entrepreneurship in the country. Now, as the award marks its fifth year in South Africa, local businesswomen are invited to step forward and join this growing community and legacy that continues to open doors and change the conversation around female leadership.
Entries open on 2nd March and close on 12th April 2026, with the award ceremony taking place on 15th July 2026 in Johannesburg.
How to Enter:
- To enter the Bold Woman Award, candidates must be founders or CEOs of a company for more than five years, have demonstrated transformation and evolution in their field, and supported growth for at least two years while maintaining an ethical approach to business.
- To qualify for the Bold Future Award, candidates must be the founders or CEOs of a company that has been in existence for less than five years. In that time, the candidate must have made a significant contribution to the success of their company by instilling a sense of entrepreneurship and making a tangible contribution to transformation in an existing market, while bringing ethical change to the company.
- An expert jury will select three finalists in each category. These finalists will be invited to the Bold Woman Award ceremony on 15th July 2026. At the ceremony, the jury will laud one laureate in each category. Beyond the ceremony, the winners will travel to Reims, France, for an immersion in the history, tradition, and luxury of Maison Veuve Clicquot, while gaining access to mentorship, global visibility, and a powerful international network of like-minded entrepreneurial women.
Business leaders and role models who are ready to be recognised for their remarkable success are invited to enter the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award by completing a simple form via https://www.boldopendatabase.com/en/bold-woman-award
Applicants must be official residents of South Africa, and the business must be based in or operating in South Africa. The finalists will be selected by an independent panel of judges.
