Elevator is on the lookout for ‘out of this world’ entrepreneurs and pioneering businesses ahead of its 2020 Awards.
An elite showcase of Scotland’s rich entrepreneurial talent, the 2020 Elevator Awards officially launched earlier this week with the addition of three new categories: Founder of the Year, Social Enterprise of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
The 21st annual awards, supported by principal sponsor Royal Bank of Scotland, will once again recognise Scotland’s entrepreneurial talent, celebrating business growth and success, rewarding individual excellence and applauding those who have shown exceptional resilience.
New category Founder of the Year has been introduced as a result of the expansion in Elevator’s Accelerator offering, with programmes now running in Moray, Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth across the digital, creative, energy, academic and general business sectors. The award will recognise founders who show real potential for business growth and success in their chosen market.
Social Enterprise of the Year is open to organisations which give back, enrich communities and make a strong contribution to society. The accolade will recognise those who demonstrate an excellent vision with a clear social, environmental and/or community impact.
While Young Entrepreneur of the Year has been introduced to spotlight individuals under the age of 30, who possess outstanding entrepreneurial flair and professional capability.
Professor Gary McEwan, Elevator CEO, said: “Entering a new decade we felt it was right to reshape some of our award categories, reflecting not only changes within the entrepreneurial landscape but also the pace of change within Elevator.
“Our emphasis for 2020 is to recognise people, businesses and products which are making an impact on Scotland’s economy. More and more we are witnessing the younger generation break the glass ceiling and devote their time and energy to build successful businesses, along with those who are hungry to give back through new ways of thinking. The 2020 Elevator Awards is the perfect platform to showcase this success at a National level.
“I urge individuals and companies to be brave and shoot for the stars; apply for the recognition you deserve as we celebrate the depth and breadth of talent across Scotland.”
Russell Whyte, director, Commercial Banking at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “We are incredibly proud to be sponsoring the Elevator Awards for another year. Recognising the importance of entrepreneurial spirit and passion, the awards celebrate the significant contribution that positive leaders and companies of all scale make to the region.
“This is what shapes the future direction of our economy, so it is crucial that we foster this enthusiasm and give credit to the hard work that is evident right now.”
The full list of 2020 Elevator Awards categories are:
- New Start of the Year
- Business Success Under 5 Years
- Business Success Over 5 Years
- Innovation of the Year
- Social Enterprise of the Year
- Spirit of Enterprise
- Founder of the Year
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year
- Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
As one of Scotland’s leading business support organisations and social enterprises, Elevator reinvests surplus income from the awards back into a full programme of entrepreneurial initiatives including its suite of accelerator programmes, Challenge Weekend and BeBrave! Festival.
Entries are now open until Monday March 16, 2020, with finalists announced in April. Entries are open to all businesses with headquarters in Scotland - categories, criteria and application forms can be found at www.elevatorawards.com. Winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony on June 25, at Ardoe House Hotel.
Professor Gary McEwan, Eileen Tocher and Russell Whyte