Five Bolton businesswomen have been announced as finalists in the Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs).

The awards are the UK’s largest business awards dedicated solely to women and they have announced a record-breaking 161 finalists for this year’s ceremony.

These "trailblazers" and "powerhouses" are not just leaders in their fields but also serve as strong female role models, inspiring the next generation and encouraging more women to venture into entrepreneurship.

The five Bolton businesswomen who have been named finalists this year are highlighting the thriving female entrepreneurship scene across the borough.

The finalists include Julie Robinson from Eagley School House Nursery, who has been nominated for the "Best Business" prize, Jacqueline Owen from Connect Studio, who is up for the "Customer Services" gong and Becci Martin from Boo Coaching and Consulting who is in the running for the "Employer" award.

And Claire-Louise Calman from Starts With You has been shortlisted in the "Employer" category while Celia Gaze from The Wellbeing Farm has been nominated for the "Hospitality Industry" prize.

Coral Horn, founder of the EVAs, said: “Every year, we discover women leading innovative and impactful businesses, from home-based ventures to global brands.

“This year’s entrants took their applications to another level. When you witness numerous new businesses already making an impact and the remarkable rate at which women are scaling up their ventures, it's clear that the UK is a hotbed of talented female entrepreneurs!

“After much deliberation, we decided to introduce an exciting new category, the ‘One To Watch,’ to feature the rising stars in the business world.”

Bolton finalists in the Enterprise Vision AwardsBolton finalists in the Enterprise Vision Awards (Image: Enterprise Vision Awards) Read more top stories here:

One of the evening’s highlights will be the "Outstanding Achievement Award", sponsored by NatWest.

All finalists are eligible for this award, which recognizes extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in business.

Heather Waters, regional enterprise manager at NatWest, said: “We are proud to have been a sponsoring partner of the Enterprise Vision Awards over the last eleven years and once again, this shortlist showcases the incredible talent, energy and potential of female-led businesses.

“Women’s entrepreneurship is crucial to the success of the UK economy and these awards help to shine a light on the talent that is based here and the opportunities that exist.

“Importantly, the awards also present an opportunity to showcase that success – and let others hear these inspirational stories.

“Every nominee, finalist and winner should be proud of their achievements.”

The next stage in the awards process involves an interview with an independent panel of judges followed by a public vote and social media campaign.

Marking their 13th anniversary, the awards will culminate in a dazzling ceremony on Friday, September 27, at the Empress Ballroom, Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

For more information on the full list of finalists and to book tickets, visit the Enterprise Vision Awards website at www.enterprisevisionawards.co.uk.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.