How to Enter
A straightforward four-step process. Free to enter. No word counts, no lengthy forms — tell your story in your own words.
Four steps to entering
Entering the Rural Business Awards is free, quick and open to every kind of rural enterprise. This page walks you through exactly how to enter, what you will need, and how to give your business the best possible chance of reaching the shortlist. Entries for 2026 close on 1 September, so it pays to start early.
Rural enterprise is a serious part of the national economy: rural areas are home to more than 526,000 registered businesses, around a fifth of all businesses in England, according to Defra’s Statistical Digest of Rural England. These awards exist to give that economy the national recognition it deserves.
Who can enter
Any business based in, or primarily serving, rural Britain can enter, at any size or stage. Farms, food and drink producers, rural manufacturers, visitor attractions, retailers, professional services and diversified estates are all welcome. With 17 categories to choose from, there is a natural home for almost every rural business, and you can enter more than one category at no extra cost.
Not sure which category fits? Browse the full list on the award categories page before you begin.
How to enter in 4 simple steps
Step 1: Choose your category (or categories)
Read the criteria for each award and pick the ones that best match your strengths. Many businesses enter the headline Rural Business of the Year alongside a specialist category such as Rural Entrepreneur of the Year or the Taste of Rural Britain Award.
Step 2: Gather your evidence
Strong entries are specific. Pull together the figures and examples that show how your business has performed over the past year: growth, jobs created, innovation, sustainability and community impact. Judges reward evidence over claims, so have your numbers ready.
Step 3: Complete the online entry form
Fill in the entry form, selecting your chosen category and answering each question against the published criteria. Keep your answers clear, concrete and concise. You can save your progress and return before the deadline.
Step 4: Submit before 1 September 2026
Review your entry, check it addresses every criterion, and submit. That is it. Shortlisted finalists are notified after entries close and celebrated at the awards ceremony on 4 November 2026.
Ready to begin? Start your entry now, free.
What you will need
- Basic business details and the category you are entering.
- Evidence of performance over the last 12 months (financial and non-financial).
- Examples of innovation, resilience and impact on the rural economy.
- A short statement on your vision and plans for the future.
Tips for a winning entry
Rural businesses face real pressure, from rising costs to patchy connectivity and access to finance, a picture set out clearly in the UK Parliament’s House of Lords Library briefing on the rural economy. A strong entry does not hide those challenges, it shows how your business has met them. Be specific, quantify your results, and let your character as a rural business come through.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to enter the Rural Business Awards?
Yes. Every one of the 17 categories is completely free to enter.
When is the entry deadline for 2026?
Entries close on 1 September 2026. The awards ceremony takes place on 4 November 2026 at the National Conference Centre.
Can I enter more than one category?
Yes, and many businesses do. There is no limit and no cost to entering multiple categories.
Can I nominate another business?
Yes. If you would like to put forward a business you admire, you can do so through the entry process. See the FAQ pagefor full details on nominations and eligibility.