MORE ABOUT THE AWARDS
Within the fifth WLS, together with the launching of the AFA League of Women Entrepreneurs, AFA assaigns annual awards for the most successful, agile and innovative entrepreneurs in Serbia and the region who promote the best practices in women’s business development and contribute to the wider community.
If you have your own business or you are a partner, we invite you to apply for one of the awards, share your successful story and seize the opportunity to become one of the AFA STARS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP! Be an example and inspiration to the new generations of entrepreneurs.
WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT?
Women own only 30% of companies in Serbia, of which 99% are low value-added service industries that are more susceptible to the negative impact of the crisis, and due to automation, 52% of women in service sectors will lose their jobs by 2030 (McKinsey, 2019).
When it comes to the startup scene in Serbia, out of about 300 startups in 2020, only 12% are predominantly female-owned, while only 2% are fully female-owned.
It is time to connect and work together to create a stimulating environment for the development of the women’s innovative entrepreneurship modeled on the best world practices!
AWARDS CATEGORIES
GRAN PRIX: WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP STAR
The award for a woman entrepreneur who has been running her business with great success for more than 5 years,who is competitive with market leaders and achieves notable results in the country and the region.
Evaluation criteria:
Business model
Length of business existence
Conquered markets or product / service placement network
Impact on society
Evaluation criteria:
Business model
Length of business existence
Conquered markets or product / service placement network
Impact on society
THE MOST INSPIRING WOMEN'S ENTREPRENEURIAL VENTURE
The award for a woman entrepreneur who has bravely jumped out of the comfort zone and pushed the boundaries by starting her own business.
Evaluation criteria:
Personal presentation of the level of risk taken
Showing the parallel between the start and today’s phase of business
Goal / Mission and vision
Impact on society
Description of the business idea
Evaluation criteria:
Personal presentation of the level of risk taken
Showing the parallel between the start and today’s phase of business
Goal / Mission and vision
Impact on society
Description of the business idea
THE MOST INNOVATIVE WOMEN'S ENTREPRENEURIAL BUSINESS
An innovative business that is competitive in the global market
Evaluation criteria:
Description of the business idea
Number of competitors in the market
Goal / Mission and vision
Impact on society
Evaluation criteria:
Description of the business idea
Number of competitors in the market
Goal / Mission and vision
Impact on society
THE MOST PERSPECTIVE FEMALE STARTUP
Award for a female startup that stands out as a leader on the startup scene in the region with its innovation and business model
Evaluation criteria:
Description of the product / service that the startup provides
Number of competitors in the market
Goal / Mission and vision
Impact on society
Evaluation criteria:
Description of the product / service that the startup provides
Number of competitors in the market
Goal / Mission and vision
Impact on society
RISING STAR
The award for a woman entrepreneur who has been in business for less than a year, and has managed to achieve great results, develop a network of clients and be visible and recognized in the market.
Evaluation criteria:
Product / service placement network
Number of competitors in the market
Goal / Mission and vision
Impact on society
THE MOST AGILE WOMAN ENTERPRENEUR
The award for a woman entrepreneur who has managed to cope with constant changes dictated by the dynamic demands of society and who has found the best solutions for her business through the ability to adapt to change.
Evaluation criteria:
Business model
Goal / Mission and vision
Number of competitors in the market
Personal presentation of business dynamics
THE GREATEST CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY
The award for a woman entrepreneur who managed to contribute to the improvement of the community with her business and work.
Evaluation criteria:
Description of the business idea
Personal presentation of the level of risk taken
Goal / Mission and vision
Impact on society
WHY NOMINATE?
- Credibility – stand out as a credible expert and leader in your field at an event that brings together key members of the women’s entrepreneurship ecosystem
- Publicity – we believe in the potential of your business and we know you do too, but it is important that the whole world hears about you! If you want to stand out among other businesses and position yourself as a renowned expert in your field, you will hardly succeed without good publicity. By winning the award, you also win the opportunity to be promoted within the event “Women Entrepreneurs” in front of the key stakeholders, as well as on AFA social networks and through our Newsletter, which is followed by a community of over 10,000 carefully selected members.
- Networking – seize the opportunity to network with exceptional entrepreneurs and key stakeholders such as representatives of the economy, academia and government and all other actors necessary to create a stimulating environment for the development of women’s entrepreneurship
- A role model and support for the entire women’s entrepreneurial ecosystem – together we create an ecosystem and a society that supports the development of women in business! By awarding prizes to entrepreneurs who bravely build a society of equal opportunities and bring not only economic growth, but also a change in the consciousness of the entire society, we motivate young and promising women to encourage themselves and start their own business stories. The world needs more female roll models. Be one of them!
- Retrospective and assimilation of the personal success – even if you do not win any of the awards, the process of applying and reviewing your entrepreneurial story can bring you numerous insights, remind you of the successes you have forgotten or the challenges that were difficult to overcome. Sometimes looking back at the roads we have already crossed opens new perspectives and signposts!
AWARD JURY
SING UP FOR THE AWARDS
Application deadline: September 30, 2021.
