Twenty-one Australian women-led businesses have been named finalists in the 2026 Stevie Awards for Women in Business, collectively earning 70 finalist placements—roughly one in every 14 of the more than 1,500 entries received from 56 nations and territories. The scale of this achievement underscores a significant shift in global business recognition: women-led ventures from Australia are not only competing but excelling on an international stage. The finalists span industries from property and healthcare to media and professional services, demonstrating the breadth of female entrepreneurial talent. Gold, Silver, and Bronze placements will be announced at a ceremony in New York City on November 16, with more than 400 women and guests expected to attend and a live broadcast.
At the forefront is Raquel Manning of Blue Diamond Property Group, who leads the Australian contingent with eight Stevie finalist nods, 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. Their collective success highlights the increasing visibility of women who have built resilient, innovative businesses—often after decades in male-dominated rooms or late-career pivots. For example, one finalist started a new career at 60 and found 245 million readers, while another teaches families how to step into the world of someone living with dementia.
Annette Densham, an award strategist whose firm Award Writing Services was itself recognized in six categories—including Best New Product or Service for its Breadcrumb Method—emphasized the personal impact of the recognition. "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." Her firm's Breadcrumb Method turns a founder's expertise into a trail of evidence that judges, media, and clients can follow, and it has been honored as a finalist in multiple categories.
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business, now in their 23rd year, honor the achievements of women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the organizations they run worldwide. Named after the Greek word for "crowned," the Stevie has been hailed as the world's premier business award. Maggie Miller, president of the Stevie Awards, noted, "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."
The implications of this strong Australian showing extend beyond individual accolades. It signals that women-led businesses from Australia are gaining traction in global markets, attracting attention from judges, investors, and media. The recognition can open doors to new partnerships, funding, and talent acquisition. Moreover, the diverse categories—from Social Change Maker of the Year to Most Resilient Female Leader—reflect a broader definition of success that values impact, innovation, and resilience alongside profit. As more women step into leadership roles, the Stevie Awards provide a platform to celebrate and amplify their stories, encouraging others to pursue entrepreneurial paths. The full list of finalists and winners is available at Women.StevieAwards.com, and entries for the 2027 awards open in May. Detailed information about the Stevie Awards can be found at www.StevieAwards.com. With 70 finalist nods, these Australian women are not just participants—they are reshaping the narrative of business success on a global scale.
