Executive Virtual Associate was presented with the prestigious award in the Start Up of the Year category at the 11th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business recently. 

The awards received entries from 22 nations and territories, and recognised the world's top women entrepreneurs, executives and employees.

Sam Spence, Executive Virtual Associate founder, said she was thrilled to win the award. 

"I’m absolutely thrilled to be included with such an elite class of internationally-recognised women and leaders of their industries," Ms Spence said.  

"I hope my recognition inspires other women in business to follow their dreams. Just as other women have inspired me during my journey so far."

Ms Spence founded the online administrative outsourcing company in 2012 and said it had grown rapidly. 

"Since our journey began just over two years ago, we have celebrated many milestones," she said. 

"(This includes) successfully passing the International Virtual Assistants Association ethics check exam - a certification that supports our commitment to operating with integrity and honesty at all times.

"Our business has grown to include 10 subcontractors, inspiring at least one of our subcontractors to start her own virtual assistant business, and we are rewarded to see her growth in the industry.

"We give back to our local community and uphold our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint."

Stevie Award winners were selected by more than 160 executives worldwide who participated in the judging process this year.

Stevie Awards founder and president Michael Gallagher said this year's entries were of a high standard. 

"In the 11 years of the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, we have never had as many impressive women entrepreneurs, organizations, and executives nominated as we did in 2014," he said. 

"Their stories of success and innovation will be an inspiration to women around the globe who dream of starting and growing a business and making a difference."