SEF.WomenAward
The women's business Award
NZZ Connect presents the SEF.WomenAward to women with an outstanding track record in entrepreneurship and at the same time creates a powerful and forward-thinking platform for women entrepreneurs.
The award is presented in the categories "Young Entrepreneur of the Year" and "Entrepreneur/CEO of the Year". In addition, an exceptional personality who stands for promoting Switzerland as a strong business location is presented with an Honorary Award.
You can now apply for the "Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2025" and nominate your candidate for the "Entrepreneur/CEO of the Year 2025".
See below for eligibility requirements. The 2025 application deadline has already passed.
What the candidates can expect
As a finalist, you will take part in the award ceremony at the gala evening (14 March 2025 in Zurich at the Circle). You will also receive access to the unique SEF network and a guaranteed ticket to the Swiss Economic Forum 2025. As a finalist, we also guarantee you media presence, including in the form of a portrait in the NZZ Verlagsbeilage and on various SEF channels. The winners will receive the following prizes:
PKZ voucher worth 1,390 Swiss francs included personal shopping voucher with stylist Luisa Rossi
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year will also receive mentoring from jury members
Conditions for participation
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Young female entrepreneurs can apply directly. A selection process is used to determine three finalists and the winner is honoured at the AwardNight. The young female entrepreneur must have founded at least one company less than 7 years old, have an active/C-level position there and the company headquarters and significant parts of the added value must be located in Switzerland.
Entrepreneur/CEO of the Year
Women in this category have an active role as an entrepreneur or CEO (C-level). This Female Entrepreneur of the Year is chosen through a nomination process. The candidate makes an active contribution to the promotion of women in entrepreneurship, the company was founded more than 7 years ago and the company has an impact on the Swiss economy.
Honorary Award
It is also not possible to apply for this category. Women who are eligible for the honour award are nominated. This category honours a woman who comes from the Swiss economy, is committed to women in entrepreneurship / the economy, is no longer in an active operational position and has at least 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship.
