"elles du territoire" Awards 2026: Celebrating Women Driving Regional Transformation
Co-organised by Clermont School of Business, Crédit Agricole Centre France and Volvic Natural Mineral Water Company, the 2026 elles du territoire Awards ceremony honoured committed women entrepreneurs whose projects contribute to the dynamism, attractiveness, and transformation of the region.
An Evening Dedicated to Celebrating Female Entrepreneurship and Regional Commitment
The elles du territoire Awards are built on a simple conviction: territories are transformed by those who dare to undertake, innovate, and propose new solutions to economic, social, and environmental challenges. Through this initiative, Clermont School of Business, Crédit Agricole Centre France, and the Volvic Natural Mineral Water Company seek to shine a spotlight on women whose projects make a tangible contribution to the vitality and attractiveness of our region.
This edition also provided an opportunity to highlight the essential role entrepreneurship plays in ongoing transitions. Frédéric Baraut, Christine Raphaël, and Richard Soparnot underscored the importance of supporting value-creating initiatives and fostering the emergence of projects capable of generating lasting impact across territories.
This year’s patron, Sophie Momège, founder and CEO of Laboratoires KÔL and President of the UCA Business Club, shared her entrepreneurial journey and experience. Her speech highlighted both the challenges and opportunities that shape entrepreneurial ventures, reminding the audience that boldness, perseverance, and the ability to reinvent oneself are essential drivers in transforming ambition into a sustainable project.
Inspiring Journeys Recognised
The 2026 edition honoured five committed women entrepreneurs whose initiatives generate tangible economic, social, or environmental impact.
Inclusion Category
Claire Prasloix, founder of Le Phare d’Hygié, received the award for her commitment to fostering a more inclusive society that is attentive to everyone’s needs. The award was presented by Jérôme Barreau, Human Resources Director at the Volvic Natural Mineral Water Company.
Journey and Resilience Category
Camille Monnier, founder of Happy Plantes, was recognised for an entrepreneurial journey marked by perseverance and a remarkable ability to turn challenges into opportunities. The award was presented by Thierry Courtadon, sculptor.
Innovation and Strategy Category
Nadia Auclair, founder of BioUpp, received the award for her innovative project addressing environmental challenges while opening up new economic opportunities. The award was presented by Géraldine Minguet.
Rural Impact Category
Adèle Chometon, founder of Moulin d’Adèle, was recognised for her contribution to the development and promotion of rural territories. The award was presented by Chantal Debost.
Audience Choice Award
The audience chose to honour Amandine Legros, founder of Floresia, reflecting the enthusiasm and strong support generated by her project. The award was presented by Sophie Momège, President of Laboratoires KÔL.
A Commitment Extending Beyond the Ceremony
Beyond the recognition associated with these awards, Clermont School of Business is committed to continuing its support for the award winners. In the coming weeks, the laureates will benefit from a dedicated coaching day led by the Open Incubator SquareLab.
Designed as a moment for exchange and strategic reflection, this session will offer participants the opportunity to step back from their projects, challenge their ideas through external perspectives, and explore new avenues for growth. They will also benefit from the expertise and guidance of entrepreneurship support specialists.
To participate in the competition, companies had to meet several eligibility criteria. Created to promote female entrepreneurship, the initiative was open to organisations based in one of the five departments covered by Crédit Agricole Centre France (Allier, Cantal, Corrèze, Creuse, or Puy-de-Dôme), established less than five years ago, and led or co-led by one or more women. These criteria were designed to highlight emerging local businesses driven by committed women entrepreneurs.
At the end of the ceremony, the winners received a trophy specially designed for the occasion. Imagined and crafted by Thierry Courtadon, sculptor and artisan based in Volvic, these distinctions pay tribute to Volvic stone, an iconic volcanic rock of the region that the artist has worked with for many years. In addition to the trophy, each winner also received a €2,500 grant.
Did You Know?
For Clermont School of Business, the elles du territoire Awards are far more than a prize ceremony. They embody a concrete commitment to female entrepreneurship and the positive transformation of territories.
Through its incubator SquareLab, the School has supported aspiring entrepreneurs for more than ten years, helping them transform ideas into projects, and projects into businesses.
Convinced that entrepreneurship is a powerful lever for economic, social, and environmental development, Clermont School of Business works to foster new impact-driven initiatives and encourage more women to embark on entrepreneurial journeys.
By bringing together entrepreneurs, economic stakeholders, institutions, and students around a shared ambition, the elles du territoire Awards help showcase inspiring journeys, challenge persistent stereotypes, and inspire new generations of women to take the leap. This approach is fully aligned with the School’s mission: to reveal talent, support entrepreneurial boldness, and contribute to the vitality of territories.
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