Recognition can have a lastinginfluence on an entrepreneur's career. It can introduce a business to newaudiences, strengthen its credibility and create connections that extend wellbeyond the award ceremony. For more than half a century, Veuve Clicquot hasbeen recognising women whose businesses have made a meaningful impact on theirindustries.
This year, the Bold WomanAward and its companion Bold Future Award return to the Netherlands, withapplications open until 9 November 2026. Established founders, CEOsand entrepreneurs building younger businesses are invited to put themselvesforward.
For women who meet thecriteria, the coming days present an opportunity worth considering.
The award's origins date back to 1972, whenVeuve Clicquot marked its 200th anniversary by establishing a prize in honourof the woman who transformed the champagne house into an internationalbusiness.
Barbe-Nicole Clicquot-Ponsardin was 27 whenshe was widowed in 1805 and assumed control of her husband's wine business. Ata time when few women held commercial authority, she pursued internationalexpansion, introduced innovations to champagne production and established thefoundations of a house that continues to carry her name more than two centurieslater.
Her contribution included the development ofthe riddling technique that transformed champagne production, alongside acommercial approach that helped establish the brand in international markets.
The award created in her honour has sincerecognised more than 450 women across 27 countries, making it one of thelongest-running international distinctions dedicated to femaleentrepreneurship.
In the Netherlands, it was previously knownas the Prix Veuve Clicquot, or Businesswoman of the Year award. Today, the programmecomprises two distinctions recognising women at different stages of theirentrepreneurial careers.
Applications for the Dutch edition opened on 9 September and will close at 20:00 on Monday, 9 November 2026. Candidates can apply through the Veuve Clicquot Bold Open Data Base.
The Bold Woman Award recognisesan established female entrepreneur who has demonstrated a significantcontribution to her company's success. Eligible candidates must have been afounder or CEO for more than five years at a company headquartered in theNetherlands.
The Bold Future Award focuseson women who have founded or taken over a business within the past five years,recognising entrepreneurs at an earlier stage of building their companies.
Both awards consider more than commercial performance. The jury evaluates business growth, the ability to introduce meaningful innovation within an industry and a commitment to responsible business practices, including environmental, workplace or social impact.
The competition is open to eligible womenwith effective control of a registered Dutch business. Candidates are selectedfor the substance of their achievements and the contribution they have made totheir sectors.
Finalists are expected to be publiclyannounced in January 2027, with the award ceremony taking place in early 2027.
Previous Dutchwinners illustrate the breadth of businesses recognised by the programme.
In 2018, Aukje Kuypers received the award for her leadership of Kuijpers, the family-owned technical services company with more than a thousand employees and a strong focus on sustainable building technology. Her recognition reflected both the growth of the business and its role in an industry undergoing significant change.
Four yearslater, Kristel Groenenboom, entrepreneur and leader in theinternational container industry, received the award. She subsequently becamean increasingly visible voice on entrepreneurship and the position of women intechnical professions, including through her writing and public appearances.
In 2024, the award went to Fabienne Chapot, founder of the Dutch fashion label bearing her name. That same year, her company achieved B Corp certification. The accompanying Bold Future Award was presented to Marthe de Groot, founder of the bag brand MARIE MARIE.
Their careers reflect different industries, business models and leadership journeys. What connects them is an ability to build commercially relevant businesses while contributing to wider conversations within their respective sectors.
Beyond there cognition itself, winners gain access to an international entrepreneurial community. The programme also offers a visit to Veuve Clicquot's historic house in Reims, creating opportunities to connect with the wider network associated with the award.
For established entrepreneurs, public recognition can serve several purposes. It can strengthen a company's profile, introduce its founder to new professional networks and reinforce the authority of a business within its market.
There is also a wider consideration. Awards influence which entrepreneurs become visible beyond their own industries and professional circles. They shape the examples of successful leadership that are recognised publicly, and whose experiences become part of the broader business conversation.
This is particularly relevant for women operating in sectors where female founders and senior decision-makers have historically received less attention. Recognition can extend their influence beyond the companies they lead.
Yet for some accomplished entrepreneurs, the greatest obstacle may come before the jury ever meets. Putting oneself forward requires a willingness to publicly acknowledge one's achievements, something that does not necessarily come naturally, even to women who have spent years building successful businesses.
There is also a tendency to assume that recognition will come when the work speaks for itself. In reality, awards can only consider the entrepreneurs who enter the selection process. This raises a worthwhile question about how many deserving candidates remain outside it, simply because they have never considered applying.
For women who meet the criteria, the Bold Woman Award offers an opportunity to reconsider that hesitation. Equally, it is an occasion to encourage accomplished women within one's professional network to consider putting themselves forward.
The next DutchBold Woman and Bold Future Award winners will be announced in early 2027. Among the candidates will be women who have spent years building companies, managing teams, introducing new ideas and contributing to their industries.
For entrepreneurs who meet the eligibility criteria, there are only a few days remaining to submit an application.
Applications close on Monday, 9 November 2026, at 20:00 Amsterdam time, through the official Bold Open Data Base.
A nomination may recognise years of achievement. It may also create opportunities for the years ahead.
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