As a businesswoman are you already helping to shape the future? Have you got what it takes to inspire girls and young women in schools and colleges to think that the world of business is a real career opportunity? The Northwest Women in Business Awards brings together women behind some of the region’s most innovative and successful companies. By celebrating those women who are already making their mark, recognising and rewarding them for achieving that success on their own terms - we hope to encourage more female entrepreneurs which is important to the future prosperity of the Northwest economy. To enter the 2009 Awards, you must be a female entrepreneur blazing a trail for women. The Awards, now in their second year, recognise those who already combine their social responsibilities and lifestyles with running a highly successful business. The inaugural Awards were a significant success attracting more than 70 entries. You may enter up to two categories and to qualify you must be a majority female-owned enterprise. For clarity, Women’s Enterprise is the broad term used to describe female self-employment and business ownership. A woman-owned business is one that is wholly or majority female-owned and managed. Entries must be received by no later than Sunday 30 November 2008. Details of where to send your entry and conditions appear at the end of this form. Judging will take place in the first week of December and shortlisted applicants will be notified by Monday 8 December at the latest. This year’s Awards move from a lunchtime format to a special evening celebration which will be held on Friday 23 January 2009 at the Park Royal Hotel, near Warrington. Tickets are priced at £25 per head however anyone making it onto the shortlist will be invited as a guest of the Northwest Women’s Enterprise Forum (NWWEF). To register a place or for more information on the event please keep your eye on the Women’s Enterprise section of the NWDA website (visit www.nwda.co.uk/women and follow the links). The Northwest Women’s Enterprise Forum was established to provide strategic direction with the aim of creating an environment in which women have the skills, confidence, support and opportunities to make an equal contribution to our region’s economic prosperity. Our approach is long-term and collaborative.
How to apply... How do I enter for the opportunity to win great profile for my business and a substantial cash prize? If you can answer YES to these three questions we sincerely hope you will enter. 1. Do you have a clear vision for the future of your business? 2. Is your business model sustainable? 3. Are you the female founding member or principal partner (51% or more) in the business with the determination and self belief to achieve your goals and inspire others? I am applying for... Business Start-up of the Year Award: This Award is to recognise a woman who has recently ventured out on her own - you need to have been trading for no more than 3 years by 30 November 2008. The winner will have vision, enthusiasm, leadership and a stubborn refusal to be dissuaded from her chosen path. 1st Prize: £2,000 / Runner-up: £1,000 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award: (Must be under 30 years of age) This Award will go to the young woman entrepreneur who can add talent to youth, vitality and ambition. The winner will be creative and inspiring, helping to shape tomorrow’s future by demonstrating an innovative approach to business and embracing change. 1st Prize: £2,000 / Runner-up: £1,000 Social Enterprise of the Year Award: This new award will go to a woman running a business defined as a social enterprise - you will be generating income through providing a service directed at helping to meet a social/environmental objective (e.g. Turning Point); you maybe selling goods and services while working towards those sorts of objectives behind the scenes (e.g. Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen); or you maybe aiming to do both of these (e.g. Divine Chocolate). You will invest 50% or more of your surpluses back into the business or local community rather than the traditional business model which is driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders/owners. 1st Prize: £5,000 / Runner-up: £2,000 Growth Business of the Year Award: Introduced this year this award puts the spotlight on women whose businesses are forecasting year on year growth of at least 20%. Resilience will be one of your strengths and you have determination to grow your company still further. 1st Prize: £2,000 / Runner-up: £1,000 Business & Professional Services Sector Woman: Another new award... intended each year to highlight a specific industry sector. In 2009 we are looking for those women with a proven track record of delivering high quality service in finance, insurance, law, accounting, management and consultancy or recruitment. Please note this is for women in business and not those women holding leadership positions within larger firms. This category serves to illustrate the necessity for strong financial and related business planning in all thriving enterprises. 1st Prize: £2,000 / Runner-up: £1,000 Northwest Business of the Year: This Award goes to the woman who has identified enterprise and business ownership as a viable, credible and satisfying career choice - successfully managed their work/life balance and overcome the sorts of issues many women encounter in developing and growing their own enterprise. You will be driving innovation in your sphere and have taken risks in achieving your present position; you will clearly manifest entrepreneurial spirit, leadership qualities and the ability to overcome adversity. The winner will encourage many more women to set up in business on their own and to find the freedom to do the things they really enjoy. 1st Prize: £5,000 / Runner-up: £2,000
Business Details In order to keep the entry form as simple as possible, we have referred to your enterprise or organisation as a business. Ms/Miss/Mrs - please indicate:
First Name (s)
First Name (s)
Surname:
Please indicate age: 16-25
26-30
31-40
Position in business:
41-50
50+
Name of business:
Company Registration Number (12 characters): Type of Organisation (i.e. sole trader or Ltd Co):
Number of Employees:
Business Address:
County:
Postcode:
Daytime/Business Telephone (Incl area code): Mobile:
Extn: Email:
Website:
Your Motivations (Maximum one paragraph of 1000 characters - approx 250 words) Describe the main activity of your business (e.g. idea of the nature of your business, products/services, client base) hiuhiuh
When did you set up your business and what motivated you?
What have been the most challenging aspects of setting up and running your business?
What is your vision for the business for the next 3 years?
If you were successful, how would winning an award benefit your business?
Business Figures To qualify for entry to the Awards, please complete the following information: 2006-2007 (£)
2007-2008 (£)
Forecast 2008-2009 (£)
PROFIT AND LOSS Turnover Net Profit BALANCE SHEET Fixed Assets incl buildings/equipment Current Assets incl debt/stock/cash Long term liabilities Equity incl capital/profit&loss a/c Supporting your business Do you have a business plan?
Yes
No
If yes, how often do you update it?
Every 3 - 5 years
Annually
Every 6 months
Other (please specify): Have you had business planning support?
Yes
No
If yes, from which of the following sources? Specific association/affiliated body (please specify) Accountant
Business Link
Family
Solicitor
Friends
Other (Please specify): Declaration I confirm that the information given on this form is true and accurate, and that I am authorised to provide the information on behalf of the business. Name:
Date:
To enter the Northwest Women in Business Awards 2009 please complete this form and send to: Jo Cocker, Women’s Enterprise Development Manager, Northwest Regional Development Agency, Renaissance House, Centre Park, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1XB. Alternatively, you can log onto the NWDA website (www.nwda.co.uk/women) for an electronic version and email that back to us at womeninenterprise@nwda.co.uk. Information from this form will be held in a secure environment and will only be distributed to a committee of BBV/Northwest Regional Development Agency personnel for selection for short listing. The judges’ decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into. No personal information will be distributed or used without your permission. By entering the Northwest Women in Business Awards you agree to take part in publicity and, if shortlisted, to being photographed which will take place on two days, Thursday 11 December or Friday 12 December in Manchester. Judging will take place in the first week of December and shortlisted applicants will be notified by Monday 8 December at the latest. Closing date for entries is Thursday 30 November 2008. The organisers are committed to Equality and Diversity and making the scheme as accessible as possible if you require this form in an alternative format please contact Jo Cocker at Northwest Regional Development Agency on 01925 400 100. Good luck to all entrants and we hope to see you at Park Royal Hotel Friday 23 January 2009.