The 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award Entries Now Open

In its continued drive to champion female entrepreneurship, The Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award returns for its fourth year in South Africa, shining a light once again on the visionaries, trailblazers and risk-takers who are redefining industries.

For over five decades, the Bold Woman Award has championed exceptional women in business, celebrating leaders who don’t just build companies, but change the conversation globally. Since its inception in 1972, over 450 remarkable women have been honoured worldwide, joining a global community of Bold female leaders who thrive on innovation, resilience, and fearless ambition.

In South Africa, the appetite for entrepreneurship is strong. The latest findings reveal a compelling truth: South African women are driving business like never before. In 2023, 61% of South African women identified as entrepreneurs, with the highest participation among those aged 20 to 29. Despite the survey suggesting that the rate of global female entrepreneurship has slowed, the country defies the trend, standing out as a leader in female-driven business.

Last year’s South African winners were Morongwe Mokone, Co-Founder and creative director of Mo’s Crib, and Refilwe Sebothoma, powerhouse entrepreneur and Founder of Hakem Energies. As these ladies will attest, these awards offer more than just recognition; it’s a powerful platform for influence, visibility, and connection, offering unparalleled access to an inspiring global network of like-minded, determined women.

Categories and Eligibility

Businesswomen who are ready to be recognised for their business achievements are called to enter the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. There are two distinct categories: The Bold Woman Award for established leaders (more than 5 years in business) and the Bold Future Award for rising entrepreneurs (less than 5 years in business

To enter the Bold Woman Award, candidates must be founders or CEOs of a company for more than five years, have demonstrated transformation and evolution in their field, and supported growth for at least two years while maintaining an ethical approach to business.

To qualify for the Bold Future Award, candidates must be the founders or CEOs of a company that has been in existence for less than five years. In that time, the candidate must have made a significant contribution to the success of their company by instilling a sense of entrepreneurship and have made a tangible contribution to transformation in an existing market, while bringing ethical change to the company.

Three finalists in each category will be selected by an esteemed jury and will be invited to attend the Bold Woman Award ceremony on 16 July where one laureate in each of the categories will be lauded by a grand jury. The Bold Woman Award winner will travel to Reims, France, for an immersion in the history, tradition, and luxury of Maison Veuve Clicquot.

How to Enter

Entries opened on 3 March and will close on 13 April 2025. Business leaders and role models can enter by completing a simple form via boldopendatabase.com/en/bold-woman-award — the Bold Open Data Base connects and elevates female entrepreneurs globally, offering visibility, networking, and community support.

Applicants must be an official resident of South Africa and the business must be based in or operating in South Africa. The finalists will be selected by an independent panel of judges.