The 2023 SME of the Year Award for Alicante was decided after a decisive gathering at the Alicante Chamber of Commerce headquarters on a Wednesday that brought together leaders from the local business community. The jury, chaired by the chamber’s president, convened to review 35 nominations that showcased the vitality and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises across the province. Participants in the judging panel included representatives from the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, Banco Santander, the Alcoy Chamber of Commerce, the Alicante Provincial Assembly, and the INFORMACIÓN newspaper. This diverse group worked in tandem to assess not just financial performance but the broader role of these firms in creating jobs, generating wealth, and fueling regional development. The process highlighted how SMEs can act as engines of local prosperity by fostering innovation, improving productivity, and strengthening supply chains throughout the area. For many jurors, the award is more than a trophy; it is a public recognition of sustained effort, prudent management, and community investment that benefits employees, suppliers, and the wider economy. In this sense, the event serves as a platform to showcase role models whose daily decisions influence regional growth and stability.nn
The SME of the Year Award is an annual initiative co-hosted by the Alicante Chamber of Commerce, Banco Santander, and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. It recognizes outstanding performance among small and medium-sized enterprises while receiving support from the Alcoy Chamber, the Alicante Provincial Assembly, and the INFORMACIÓN newspaper. The award seeks to highlight not only profitability but also the daily discipline, customer focus, and strategic vision that help businesses flourish in a competitive landscape. It also aims to raise the visibility of entrepreneurs who contribute to the economic development of the region through sustainable practices, workforce development, and community engagement. The recognition reinforces the idea that small and medium-sized firms can be powerful catalysts for innovation and long-term prosperity when they invest in talent, technology, and responsible growth.n
The eligibility criteria specify that the contest targets companies with fewer than 250 employees and annual turnover under 50 million euros. The Alicante province winner earns the right to compete for the 2023 National SME of the Year Award, a distinction awarded to the top provincial champions across the country. This national stage creates a pipeline of inspiration and benchmarking for local firms, encouraging them to pursue excellence and broaden their impact beyond regional borders. The competition thus supports an ecosystem where best practices can be shared, standards can rise, and SMEs can aspire to national recognition while continuing to serve their local communities.n
Beyond the main prize, the event also recognizes excellence in specific domains. Four second prizes were awarded, recognizing standout work in areas such as Internationalization, Digitalization and Innovation, Education and Employment, and Sustainability. The distribution of these honors underscores a broad commitment to growth that is not limited to a single dimension but spans international reach, modern technologies, workforce development, and responsible leadership. The acknowledgment of these distinct categories reinforces the message that a thriving SME ecosystem depends on a balanced blend of strategies and values. The jury’s decisions reflect a nuanced understanding that successful firms often excel in multiple portfolios, combining market reach with technological adoption and social responsibility. The result is a comprehensive portrait of the region’s business landscape, where entrepreneurship, collaboration, and strategic investment converge to build a robust economic future. [Citation: Alicante Chamber of Commerce records and participating organizations]