Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) has opened nominations for the Western Balkans Six Women Entrepreneurs of the Year 2026, inviting organisations, institutions and individuals to nominate outstanding women from the region whose businesses drive innovation, competitiveness, and inclusive growth. The recognitions will highlight six entrepreneurs from across the Western Balkans Six, underscoring the vital role of women-led enterprises in economic development, job creation, and regional cooperation. Nominations are open until 14 May 2026.

“Women entrepreneurs are not only building businesses, they are shaping more resilient, innovative, and inclusive economies across our region,” said Amer Kapetanović, Secretary General of RCC. “Through this initiative, we aim to amplify their stories, connect them with regional opportunities, and underline that women’s economic empowerment is essential to growth and competitiveness in the Western Balkans.”

Nominations can be submitted by public and private institutions, chambers of commerce, business associations, women entrepreneurs’ networks, development partners, civil society organisations and individuals. Eligible nominees must be women entrepreneurs from the Western Balkans Six with a legally registered business operating for at least one year.

Recognitions will be presented in six categories: 

• Green Woman Entrepreneur
• Artistic Woman Entrepreneur
• ICT Woman Entrepreneur
• Tourism Woman Entrepreneur
• Young Woman Entrepreneur
• Social Star Woman Entrepreneur

Special Jury Recognition may also be granted, depending on the quality and diversity of nominations received.

An independent jury will evaluate submissions based on impact, innovation, and contribution to local and regional economies. Nominees and their work will be assessed based on achievements recorded in 2025. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on 30 June 2026 in Sarajevo, held alongside the Gender Equality Forum.

In addition to recognition, winners will gain regional visibility, promotion through RCC channels, and opportunities to connect with broader initiatives and networks. They will also be invited to take part in the June 2026 ceremony in Sarajevo and contribute to wider regional visibility efforts linked to the Gender Equality Forum.

More info about the Western Balkans Six Women Entrepreneurs of the Year 2026 

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Previous Western Balkans Women Entrepreneurs laureates

 
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Launched as part of RCC’s work on women’s economic empowerment and the Regional Network of Women in Entrepreneurship, the initiative contributes to the Common Regional Market Action Plan 2025–2028, aiming to promote success stories while addressing persistent barriers such as access to finance, markets, networks, and visibility.