A collaborative book written by members of the Women’s Business Network (WBN), The Women’s Business Network Guide to Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur, were shortlisted as a finalist in the “Start Up/Scale Up” category at the 2024 Business Book Awards, a prestigious competition open to a national and international audience. Out of 300 entries, the WBN guide was one of only three self-published books to make it to the finals—a remarkable achievement for a first-time collaboration by a group of 20 female entrepreneurs.
The awards ceremony took place last Thursday at The Drum Conference Space in Wembley, London, where the WBN team stood proudly among industry heavyweights. While the ultimate prize went to another finalist, the recognition of being shortlisted has positioned the WBN Guide as a standout resource for aspiring and established businesswomen alike.
Sharon Louca, founder of WBN and co-author, explains the journey from a casual remark to an award-nominated bestseller: “What started as an offhand comment during one of our networking meetings quickly transformed into a powerful project. We wanted to pool our knowledge and experience to create a resource that would 
genuinely help other women start and thrive in business.”
The book, which became an Amazon No. 1 bestseller shortly after its release in October 2023, provides a comprehensive guide to entrepreneurship. It covers everything from business planning, branding, and finance to emotional resilience and self-care. The collaborative effort between 20 women entrepreneurs demonstrates the power of collective experience, featuring practical advice and inspiring stories from decades of business success.
Kudos for Self-Publishing Achievement
Standing out in a field dominated by traditionally published titles, The WBN Guide is a testament to the strength and reach of independent authorship. Jules White one of the book’s contributors, emphasizes, “Being self-published and making it as a finalist among hundreds of entries is incredibly validating. It shows that our voices, experience, and knowledge are valuable and worthy of national recognition.”
The WBN Guide has not only boosted the credibility of its authors but also elevated the status of self-published works, which often face challenges in gaining mainstream acknowledgment. The team is now excited to explore new opportunities, including potential speaking engagements to expand on the book’s key teachings.
The Womens Business Network Guide to Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur is available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739575903