"At WBAF, we believe that recognising excellence is essential to inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators who shape the future of our global economy. Through the World Excellence Awards, we proudly celebrate visionary leaders and organisations whose bold ideas and impactful achievements contribute to sustainable economic growth and greater financial inclusion worldwide."
Baybars Altuntas
Executive Chairman, World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF)
An affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI)
As an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion, the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) is committed to easing access to finance for entrepreneurs and strengthening global investment ecosystems.
Open to WBAF High Commissioners, WBAF Senior Senators, WBAF Senators, WBAF International Partners, startup and SME founders, angel investors, mentors, coaches, business consultants, faculty members, NGO leaders, crowd-funders, corporate professionals and early-stage venture capital investors, these awards seek to recognise the year’s most disruptive new market entrants and provide a definitive list of the most exciting individuals and organisations to watch in the global entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The Outstanding Achievement Awards for Individuals are open to a broad range of leaders and professionals contributing to the advancement of entrepreneurship and investment ecosystems worldwide.
Eligible applicants include:
These awards aim to recognise outstanding individuals whose work has created measurable impact, introduced disruptive innovations, strengthened entrepreneurial ecosystems, or supported access to finance. The awards highlight the year’s most influential individuals and provide a definitive global list of professionals to watch in the entrepreneurship and early-stage investment landscape.
Applications can be submitted by completing the official online application form provided above.
The application form includes:
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the categories and select the one that best reflects their achievements and professional contributions.
Applicants are required to pay an application fee of 500 EUR.
This fee supports:
Important:
The application fee is fully refundable if the applicant is not selected for an award by the International Jury.
If the International Jury determines that the application does not meet the award criteria, the 500 EUR application fee will be fully refunded.
In certain cases, the International Jury may determine that an applicant is more suitable for a different award category than the one originally selected. If so, the Jury reserves the right to reassign the application to a more appropriate category.
All jury decisions are final and based on merit, documented achievements, and demonstrated impact.
The Outstanding Achievement Awards for Individuals will be presented during the WBAF Grand Assembly Awards Ceremony, which will take place:
This prestigious ceremony brings together global leaders, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem stakeholders to celebrate excellence in entrepreneurship and investment leadership.
No. Attendance at the VIP Gala Dinner requires the purchase of a separate ticket.
VIP Gala Dinner Ticket:
150 EUR per person
Award recipients and guests are encouraged to secure their seats in advance to participate in the formal award presentation ceremony.
Award recipients are strongly encouraged to attend the ceremony in person to receive their award on stage.
However, if attendance is not possible:
Yes.
All award recipients will be officially announced through:
This global visibility enhances the international recognition and credibility of award recipients and their professional achievements.
The Excellence in Organisational Impact Awards are open to institutions and organisations that demonstrate measurable contributions to entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, innovation, and sustainable economic development.
Eligible applicants include:
These awards recognise organisations that create significant impact through innovative programmes, investment initiatives, ecosystem development, capacity building, and inclusive financial solutions. The awards highlight institutions that lead transformation and serve as global benchmarks for excellence.
Organisations may apply if they have demonstrated:
The International Jury evaluates organisations based on impact, innovation, scalability, sustainability, and measurable outcomes.
Organisations can apply by completing the official online application form available above.
The application process includes:
Applicants are encouraged to present clear evidence of measurable outcomes and real-world impact.
Organisations are required to pay an application fee of 1,000 EUR.
This fee supports:
Important:
The application fee is fully refundable if the organisation is not selected for an award.
If the International Jury determines that the application does not meet the award criteria, the 1,000 EUR application fee will be fully refunded.
In certain cases, the International Jury may determine that the organisation is more suitable for a different award category than originally selected. If so, the Jury reserves the right to reassign the application to a more appropriate category.
All jury decisions are final and based on merit, documented results, and measurable impact.
The Excellence in Organisational Impact Awards will be presented during the WBAF Grand Assembly Awards Ceremony, held:
This ceremony gathers global leaders, investors, policymakers, and institutional representatives to celebrate organisations that shape the future of entrepreneurship and investment ecosystems.
No. Attendance at the VIP Gala Dinner requires a separate ticket purchase.
VIP Gala Dinner Ticket:
150 EUR per person
Organisations may purchase multiple tickets for their delegation members wishing to attend the ceremony.
Organisations are strongly encouraged to attend the ceremony in person to receive the award on stage.
However, if attendance is not possible:
Yes.
Award-winning organisations will receive global visibility through:
This recognition strengthens institutional credibility, global reputation, and stakeholder confidence.
Yes.
Organisations may submit applications for multiple categories, provided that each submission represents a distinct programme, initiative, or achievement.
Separate application forms and fees are required for each category.
Award recipients benefit from: