Women Entrepreneurs and Leaders

Who can apply for the Women Entrepreneurs and Leaders Program?

The competition is open to women who own or are top managers in sustainable and successful businesses and contribute significantly to driving the business forward. Aspiring participants should meet the following eligibility criteria.

• The participant must be either a business founder, or an individual entrepreneur, or a shareholder holding at least 20% of the business, or a C-suite executive (CEO, CFO, board member, etc.), and contribute significantly to the growth of her business by helping it transform into a competitive market player or an industry leader.
• The participant must bear primary responsibility for developing her company’s business over at least the last two years and play a major role in its management.
• Her company must have been in the market for at least two years and have an annual turnover of over RUB 30 million.
• A company can nominate only one participant, apart from the founders.
• A participant cannot take part in the competition for more than two years in a row.
• The last three years’ winners are not eligible for nomination.

The organizers may refuse registration and/or decline to consider an application if publicly available information about a participant is found to be inconsistent with applicable laws, ethical standards and/or moral principles, or if any information is identified that infringes – or may pose a risk of infringing – the rights and legitimate interests of third parties.

Why apply?

From the application stage to the announcement of the winners at the gala awards ceremony, the competition ensures equal opportunities and transparent selection criteria for all participants.

Throughout the competition, candidates enjoy a range of exclusive benefits, including:

• Direct networking with an independent professional jury composed of successful entrepreneurs, investors, independent experts and prominent representatives of the business and academic communities
• Building valuable business connections within a vibrant professional network
• Media exposure – participants, finalists and winners will be featured on the competition website, across B1’s social media platforms and in selected media outlets
• Participation in business breakfasts, workshops and open discussions with leading B1 experts, as well as access to exclusive events hosted by B1 and the event partners
• Expert advice from B1 audit and assurance, business consulting, and tax and legal professionals
• Personal development plans and access to B1’s learning programs
• Inspiration and motivation to accelerate business growth and career advancement 

Building on the success of previous participants and winners, the program continues to inspire women entrepreneurs to aim higher and expand their businesses.

How can I apply?

To participate, fill in the online registration form on the B1 website or print it off, fill it in by hand and mail it to us.

The entry form can be submitted by any company, agency or organization or any person who knows the nominee (e.g., a company employee, bank officer, legal adviser, PR manager or spouse) or by the entrepreneur herself.

All information provided in the entry form is confidential and will only be shared with the panel of independent judges.
 

How are the winners selected?

Winners of Women Entrepreneurs and Leaders are selected by a jury of successful business people, investors, independent experts and prominent members of the business and academic community.

Participants will be judged on their personal qualities (entrepreneurial spirit, leadership skills and creativity) and business performance (corporate governance, financial results, job creation impact and complexity of doing business).

Nominees are shortlisted based on the information provided in their registration forms.
 

When will the winners be announced?

The annual Women Entrepreneurs and Leaders awards ceremony, at which winners in each category are announced, is held in Moscow in the spring.