Twenty-one women-led Australian businesses have been named finalists in the 2026 Stevie Awards for Women in Business, a global competition that drew over 1,500 entries from 56 nations and territories. Together, these finalists have won 70 Stevie Awards—roughly one in every 14 awarded—highlighting the significant impact of Australian women in business. The finalists will learn whether they have won gold, silver, or bronze at a ceremony in New York City on November 16, which will be broadcast live and is expected to draw more than 400 women and their guests. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor the achievements of women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the organizations they run worldwide. Now in its 23rd year, the Stevie has been hailed as the world's premier business award.
Among the finalists, Raquel Manning of Blue Diamond Property Group leads with eight Stevies, including Lifetime Achievement and Woman of the Year in Real Estate. Shelly McElroy of Dream Culture follows with seven, while Katrina Wurm and Michelle Wollaston each have six. Malini Raj of the Australian Multicultural Women's Alliance has five, and Kerry Bolton's Caring Lotus has four. These women represent a diverse range of industries, from property and business services to health and wellness, media, and non-profit work. Their recognition underscores the growing influence of women-led enterprises in Australia and beyond.
Annette Densham, an award strategist and founder of Award Writing Services, which was recognized in six categories including Best New Product or Service for its Breadcrumb Method, commented on the significance of the finalist announcement. "I've been doing this a long time, and it still gives me goosebumps when the finalist list drops," Densham said. "These are women who get on with it and rarely stop to look at what they've built. Entering the Stevie Awards is that pause to pat themselves on the back and reflect on what they've accomplished." Densham's firm helps businesses turn their expertise into visible, verifiable authority, and she noted that for many clients, the moment that matters is realizing how much they have achieved.
Maggie Miller, president of the Stevie Awards, said, "As the Stevie Awards for Women in Business marks its 23rd year, we continue to be impressed by the remarkable accomplishments represented among the nominations. It's especially rewarding to see the significance a Stevie Award holds for women and the recognition it brings to their achievements, careers, and organizations. We congratulate all of this year's finalists and look forward to revealing the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award placements on November 16." The awards are conferred in nine programs, including the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards and The International Business Awards, and competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in over 70 nations.
The recognition of these Australian women-led businesses could have broader implications for the global business landscape. It highlights the increasing visibility and success of women entrepreneurs, particularly in sectors where they have been historically underrepresented. For readers, this news signals that women-led ventures are gaining international acclaim, potentially opening doors for investment, partnerships, and further growth. The Stevie Awards provide a platform for these businesses to showcase their achievements, which can lead to increased credibility and opportunities. As the world watches the ceremony on November 16, the outcomes may inspire more women to pursue entrepreneurial paths and seek recognition for their contributions.
Details about the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the full list of winners are available at http://Women.StevieAwards.com. Entries for the 2027 awards open in May. More information about the Stevie Awards can be found at http://www.StevieAwards.com.
