News Can you win the Trophy of the Independent 2026?

Passionate independents deserve recognition. That’s why we’re proud to offer them a platform. The Trophy of the Independent shines a light on entrepreneurs who excel in their field and inspire others. Are you self-employed or do you run a business with up to nine employees? Do you share your passion every day, embrace every challenge and continue to innovate? Then you could be in the running for the coveted title. 

The ideal candidate: do you recognise yourself? 

We are looking for self-employed professionals who go above and beyond for their customers every single day. Entrepreneurs like Sylvia Van Loo from UIT-ZICHT, and Marina Libertiaux from NarsaHome, who won the previous edition. As before, the winner will be chosen jointly by a professional jury and the public. The jury vote counts for 70%, while the public vote represents 30 %. 

You can win over the public by campaigning for votes, and convince the jury by showing that you meet one or more of these four criteria: 

• Motivator: you are an entrepreneur with infectious passion  
• Innovator: you stand out through an innovative approach  
• Impact maker: you truly make a difference for your customers  
• Visionary: you know where you want to take your business and how to get there 

Great winners deserve great prizes 

From all the participants, the jury and the public will select 10 finalists to compete for the Trophy of the Independent. And the winner is not the only one to be rewarded: every finalist will receive an attractive prize package. 

• The 10 finalists will gain visibility through Orange’s channels, partners and the press. They also receive a one-year telecom pack and additional prizes from our partners.  
• The top three additionally receive prize money.
• The overall winner will proudly take home the Trophy of the Independent.  

Think you have what it takes? Here’s how the competition works 

1. Registration 

You can register until 28 August via the registration form. Don’t wait too long, as the number of places is limited. 

2. Public voting 

Once your registration has been approved, your business will appear on the participant page, and the public can start voting for you. Voting runs from 14 September to 16 October. 

3. Selection of finalists 

After that, it’s up to the professional jury. Combined with the public vote, they will select 10 finalists who will be announced on 2 November. 

4. Award ceremony 

The award ceremony will take place on 18 November. During the event, the 10 finalists will once again be put in the spotlight before the jury announces the three laureates and presents the trophy to the overall winner. 

Want to know more and take part? 

Do you do everything you can to give your customers an exceptional experience? Do you believe you can convince both the jury and the public? Then this year, you could take home the Trophy of the Independent.