The deadline for the 2023 SME of the Year award runs from March 1 to March 31, closing at 20:00 local time. Applicants should note this window carefully to ensure timely submission and to avoid missing vital criteria that could affect eligibility.
This nationwide competition highlights small and medium-sized enterprises across all provinces, including those with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover under 50 million euros. Eligible firms must have their registered office in the province of Alicante and be in good standing at the close of fiscal year 2022. The competition welcomes a diverse range of business models and sectors, inviting companies that demonstrate impactful growth, strategic direction, and community contribution.
Beyond naming the SME of the Year, the jury may designate four runner-up prizes in distinct categories: Internationalization, Innovation and Digitalization, Education and Employment, and Sustainable SME. These secondary recognitions acknowledge excellence in specific domains that drive modern business success and regional prosperity.
The ultimate winner advances to compete for the 2023 National SME of the Year Award, with the national ceremony slated for the first quarter of 2024. Similarly, the victorious runner-up firms in their respective categories earn the opportunity to contend for the national prizes in their category, amplifying their visibility and impact across the country.
How can firms participate?
Interested companies should complete the registration form available on the Alicante Chamber of Commerce website, and they can consult the competition rules there as well. The registration portal guides entrants through the eligibility checks, required documentation, and submission deadlines, ensuring a smooth process for applicants and a clear standard for judging.
The Jury weighs several core indicators to determine winners. Key factors include job creation with a focus on permanent roles, ongoing training programs for employees, clear strides in international markets, and tangible steps toward digital transformation and innovation. Additional emphasis is placed on sustainable projects and corporate responsibility initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to the environment and the broader community. These criteria reflect a broad view of SME vitality beyond mere revenue or size, recognizing how firms contribute to regional development and employment. (Citation: Alicante Chamber of Commerce records and competition guidelines.)
Plymag from Alicante participated in the National SME of the Year Award gala as a finalist, illustrating the rewarding journey many regional firms experience through this national platform. The SME of the Year Award itself serves as a benchmark for excellence among Spanish small and medium enterprises. In its seventh edition, the program has already shown substantial growth: last year, 1,766 companies from 50 provinces and the Autonomous City of Ceuta registered, with participation by 49 regional Chambers of Commerce. Since the program began in 2017, more than 7,436 SMEs have taken part, underscoring the competition’s enduring franchise and influence within the business community. (Citation: National SME of the Year Award archival materials and regional Chamber communications.)