This award celebrates Lancashire’s smallest businesses - those with 6 or fewer full-time equivalent employees - that are achieving big things with lean teams.
It’s open to businesses of any sector that can show ambition, resilience, and smart decision-making - whether through growth, innovation, or adaptability.
Judges are looking for micro businesses that understand their market, have a clear sense of purpose, and are building something sustainable - even in challenging circumstances.
Judges will want to see:
If you’re achieving big things with a small team and sharp thinking, this is your moment.
Micro Business Award – Entry Questions (2026)
Entries are now open! Start yours here
Entries for Red Rose Awards 2026 will close at midnight on Friday, 5 December 2025.
A full list of award categories are available on the categories page.
Each business can enter up to three different award categories.
To be eligible, your business must be based within the current Lancashire county boundaries. For clarity, this means you must pay business rates in one of the following district or unitary boroughs:
The following rules apply –
To enter the awards, you must create an online account. This will allow you to view all award categories and entry forms.
You can work on your entries online by signing in to the system and saving them as drafts until you are ready to submit. You can then use your account to track your progress through the entry process.
Yes. You will be unable to exceed the word count limit when you enter your submission into our online entry forms.
Throughout the entry form you will see an ‘info’ icon next to certain questions. Here we’ve included further information to support you in completing your entry so make sure you hover over the icon to view this.
You can also get help from our Entry Support Partner, Viva. Who has created a free guide to help you put together a submission that truly stands out. Click here to download your guide.
Alternatively, you can get access to Viva's exclusive podcast episode, 'Writing Award Entries', by completing a quick form here.
Should you have further questions please call the Lancashire Business View team on 01254 297870 email events@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk
The online system will show that you have entered the awards once you click submit. You will also receive a confirmation email.
No. The Red Rose Awards are free to enter.
Once entries have closed, all written submissions are scrutinised by our judges and finalists are announced on 19 January 2026.
Interviews will take place on 4 and 5 February 2026. These dates cannot be changed and we advise to mark them in your calendar now!
Each interview will last 20 minutes. Following a brief introduction you will have a maximum of 10 minutes for your presentation to the judges, followed by 10 minutes of Q&A from the judges.
You can be as creative as you like with your presentation. It is your choice whether to bring 'props' or equipment to support you in sharing your business story with our judges.
There are no laptops or screens provided in the interviews. If you would like to display something you will need to bring everything with you and set it up when you enter the interview room.
All finalists will be notified on Monday 19 January 2026 by email.
The information will also be available on the website and through our social media channels.
Finalists will be invited to meet a judging panel for interview on 4 or 5 February 2026. If we cannot hold the interviews live, these will be conducted online.
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