WEST Australians are being encouraged to support successful local women in business by nominating them in the 2019 Telstra Business Women’s Awards.

Nominations are open until next Thursday for the awards, which shine a light on women who have challenged the status quo, gone their own way and achieved success in business.

The program consists of five categories to celebrate women across a range industries and business types: Small Business, Medium and Large Business, Public Sector and Academia, For Purpose and Social Enterprise, and Emerging Leader.

2017 WA Business Woman of the Year Jennifer Franceschi, who has been in the avocado industry since 1974, said: “Winning the Award made me look at myself and see the strengths that at times I never realised I had. It gave me a stronger sense of self-worth and belief in my capacity to make a difference.”

Nominations close November 8.