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Supporting and Recognising Women in Business
The Elevate You Awards will return on Thursday 17th September 2026 – Please save the date!
Elevate You Awards recognise the achievements of women in business in the Isle of Man.
This event returns to celebrate success, recognises achievements, and raises visibility across three categories: Solopreneur, Entrepreneur and Leader.
I’m delighted to add a new category for 2026, Inspirational Woman of the year. This category will be based solely on nomination only.
Before you submit your entry, please read the Elevate You Awards 2026 Eligibility and Criteria Q&A.
Applications are now closed!
The finalists for each category will be announced via email on Friday 7 August.
The Elevate You judging panel for 2026 will be announced soon.
You can stay up to date by following the Elevate You awards Facebook page which will be updated with all the latest info and dates! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573836203920
Awards Categories
Solopreneur of the Year
A female solopreneur runs their business alone, handling all aspects independently without hiring employees. While they may outsource tasks or collaborate with freelancers, they remain the sole decision-maker and operator. Solopreneurs often build businesses around their personal expertise, such as freelancing, consulting, or e-commerce, and prioritize independence and control over rapid scaling.
Entrepreneur of the Year
A female entrepreneur builds and scales a business, often with a team of male or female employees, co-founders, or investors. They focus on long-term growth, delegation, and expanding operations beyond their own direct efforts. Entrepreneurs aim to create systems, teams, and structures that allow their business to grow beyond themselves.
Leader of the Year
This category is for a female leader working at middle management level up to a C-Suite role. This is an inspiring woman who motivates, guides, and empowers others to achieve success. True leaders demonstrate vision, integrity, and resilience, fostering innovation and positive change within their teams and organisation. They lead by example, navigate challenges with confidence, and create an environment where others can thrive.
Inspirational Woman of the Year
This category recognises a female who has made a meaningful impact on the lives of others, businesses, or the wider community. She inspires through who she is, what she does, and the values she embodies. Whether through leadership, advocacy, creativity, resilience, or service. This woman continues to uplift, influence, and empower those around her. Her actions create positive change, leaving a lasting impression and motivating others to grow, take action, and believe in what’s possible.
Questions?
View the Entry Eligibility & Criteria Q&A by clicking the button below.
Our Judging Panel
Meet the exceptional judges selecting this year’s finalists and winners!
Lisa Karran
Lisa is a seasoned operations and marketing leader with extensive experience scaling startups and driving high-growth ventures. She specialises in supporting founder-led businesses to achieve growth without burnout or chaos. She is a committee member of Love Tech and is passionate about supporting and empowering women and girls.
John McChesney
John has extensive Human Resources experience across international banking, financial services and technology companies. His career included consultancy work specialising in organisational culture change and personal development. Since retiring, he has continued supporting businesses, HR teams and charities, and has served on the Hospice IOM Board for over 10 years.
Joanne Posey
Jo is a self-employed nutritional therapist and supports people in stress management, sleep, movement, mindset and confidence. Jo is an advocate for the education and support on all things menopause. Along with offering 121 client support, Jo supports women in group courses focussing on menopause, weight management, energy and digestive complaints.
Alicia Woodward
Alicia is the Head of People and Culture at Capital International, leading HR and Learning across global jurisdictions and is responsible for shaping people strategy, building high performing and inclusive cultures.
Alicia’s Elevate You journey began as an applicant in 2025, to winning the Leader category and now a 2026 judge. Alicia is passionate about the awards process and continues to believe in the power of honest storytelling and meaningful self-reflection.
Our Elevate You 2025 Winners
Here’s what they had to say…
“It was a real honour to be recognised as the first and youngest winner of the Elevate You Awards 2025. The afternoon was inspiring, and being surrounded by my peers on the Isle of Man in business made it even more meaningful.
The Galpals Collective was created for the women of Mann, so to be awarded at an event dedicated to celebrating women felt like a perfect full circle moment. Louise did an outstanding job bringing this vision to life, and the awards are such a credit to the island.
I am already looking forward to 2026, whether that means passing the torch to another incredible woman, or sharing what I have in store next. I am incredibly thankful for the recognition and support from the community that the Elevate You Awards has brought me.”
Chloe Chau, The Galpals Collective – Winner: Entrepreneur of the Year 2025
“Applying for the Elevate You Women in Business Awards was a courageous step for me, as I chose to share my own story. Being announced as the winner of the ‘Leader of the Year’ category was a delightful surprise that has significantly boosted my confidence, demonstrating that when you believe in yourself, others will recognise the leader you already are.
These awards represent a long-awaited recognition for women on the Isle of Man, and I sincerely hope they continue for many years to come, celebrating the remarkable talent and leadership within our community.
Nobody knows your journey better than you, so trust in yourself, break through the stigma, and put yourself out there; you never know who might recognise you!”
Alicia Woodward, Capital International – Winner: Leader of the Year 2025
“Solopreneurs truly are the foundation stones to the cathedral of enterprise on the Isle of Man. At first, the sense of imposter syndrome was overwhelming. However, I am so proud, extremely grateful and humbled to have been nominated, and then chosen as winner, amongst such strong and deserving competition in this revered category.”
Catherine Davis, Rex Physiotherapy Services – Winner: Solopreneur of the Year 2025
Stay up to date with all the latest!
Please follow the awards Facebook page to keep up to date with all the latest info and dates! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573836203920
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