_{Image acknowledgement: Paula Turbill, President - Women in Innovation (SA). Substandard photography: Lisa Erhart.} 

As I write this blog post from the Adelaide airport lounge, fresh from the Women in Innovation SA Awards, I can’t help but reflect on the power of recognition. These awards are more than just an evening of celebration; they’re a spotlight on the incredible innovation happening across South Australia. Next year, with the addition of categories like First Nations Innovation, Sustainability, and Creative Arts, the awards are evolving to reflect even more diversity and ingenuity.

But why should female founders consider applying for awards like these? And more importantly, how can we overcome the internal resistance that sometimes holds us back from “putting ourselves out there”?

Here’s why I believe award recognition is not just important—it’s essential—for female founders.

1. Recognition Amplifies Your Impact

As founders, we often get caught up in the day-to-day grind of building our businesses. But stepping back to share your achievements isn’t just about patting yourself on the back; it’s about amplifying your impact. Awards provide a platform to showcase your work, your innovation, and the difference you’re making.

For female founders, this visibility matters. It opens doors to new opportunities—partnerships, collaborations, and even funding. Recognition also sends a powerful message to others: women are driving change, and their contributions deserve to be seen and celebrated.

2. Overcoming the Fear of Self-Promotion

Let’s be honest—putting yourself forward for an award can feel daunting. There’s that little voice whispering, Who do you think you are? What if you don’t win? But here’s the thing: the act of applying is an achievement in itself.

Submitting an award application forces you to articulate your vision, your goals, and the journey you’ve taken to get where you are. It’s an exercise in self-reflection and confidence-building. Whether or not you win, you’ve taken a bold step in owning your accomplishments—and that’s a win in my book.

3. Awards Are About More Than Winning

Winning an award is a wonderful milestone, but the journey to the podium is just as valuable. Many awards offer opportunities to connect with judges, fellow nominees, and other industry leaders. These relationships can be transformative, helping you grow your network and gain insights from others in your field.

Even if you don’t take home a trophy, being a finalist boosts your credibility and positions you as a leader in your space. It’s a signal to clients, investors, and peers that you’re someone to watch.

4. Be Part of a Bigger Movement

Awards like the Women in Innovation SA Awards aren’t just about individual recognition but about building a movement. They showcase the collective power of female founders and innovators, inspiring others to step forward.

Next year’s expanded categories, including First Nations Innovation and Sustainability, will highlight even more diverse stories. These additions are vital for ensuring all voices are represented. Personally, I’d love to see a dedicated category for entrepreneur innovators in the future—because founders like you are driving transformation across every industry.

5. A National Vision for Recognition

While these awards currently focus on South Australia, I’d love to see them go national. Imagine a platform that recognises female innovation across Australia, connecting founders from every corner of the country. National recognition not only raises the profile of individual founders but also elevates the entire ecosystem of female-led innovation.

For this vision to become a reality, we need more women to step forward and showcase their work. Your participation in awards like these contributes to a groundswell of recognition that could make a national platform possible.

How to Get Started

If you’re feeling inspired but unsure where to begin, here are some steps to help you prepare for your next award application:

1. Document Your Achievements: Keep track of your milestones, client successes, and impact metrics throughout the year.
2. Seek Feedback: Ask trusted colleagues or mentors to review your application and help you refine your story.
3. Focus on Impact: Judges want to see the difference your work has made. Highlight measurable outcomes and testimonials where possible.
4. Be Authentic: Share your challenges and how you’ve overcome them. Authenticity resonates.
5. Apply Anyway: Even if you feel like your achievements aren’t “big enough,” apply. Your work is worth celebrating.

The Ripple Effect of Recognition

When one female founder steps into the spotlight, it creates a ripple effect. It inspires others to dream bigger, to take risks, and to believe in what’s possible. Awards are more than accolades—they’re catalysts for change.

So, if you’ve ever hesitated to put yourself forward, let this be your sign. Apply for that award. Share your story. And know that in doing so, you’re not just celebrating your achievements—you’re paving the way for others to follow.

As I board my flight, I’m already looking forward to next year’s Women in Innovation SA Awards. I hope to see even more women standing tall, owning their brilliance, and showing the world what’s possible.

Could it be you next year? I believe it can. Let’s make it happen.