SME of the Year 2025 award extends its registration deadline to April 30

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) will now have until April 30th at 20:00 PM (Central Peninsula Time) to submit their applications, thus opening an additional window of opportunity for those seeking recognition for their hard work and contribution to the country's economic development. This initiative, which enjoys great national relevance, seeks to highlight the fundamental role of SMEs as engines of wealth and employment.

The decision to extend the deadline responds to growing interest and the need to give companies additional time to complete their applications. As a spokesperson for the Spanish Chamber of Commerce stated: “We understand that the application process requires time and dedication. We want to ensure that all interested SMEs have the opportunity to participate and demonstrate their value.”

This award, which reaches its eighth edition, has established itself as a benchmark in the Spanish business landscape. With the participation of 54 territorial Chambers of Commerce, 13 Territorial delegations of Banco Santander and the collaboration of prominent local press outlets, the competition covers all of the country's provinces, highlighting its national scope.

The SME of the Year Award 2025 will recognize the best SME in each province, in addition to Four runners-up in key categories: Internationalization, Innovation and Digitalization, Training and Employment, and Sustainable SMEThese awards seek to highlight those areas in which SMEs are making a difference, driving progress and sustainability in the business environment.

The winning companies at the provincial level will compete for the National SME of the Year Award 2025, the finalists of which will be decided in the first quarter of 2026. Similarly, the winners of the provincial honorable mentions will participate in the competition for the National Prize in their respective categories, thus creating a competitive environment at the national level.

Requirements and Registration Process:

The award is open to SMEs with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than €50 million by the end of 2024. Interested companies should submit their applications in the province where they have their headquarters, thus facilitating a more precise and contextual evaluation.

The registration process is simple and accessible through the website of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce (https://www.camara.es/premio-pyme-2025) or the participating Chambers of Commerce. Companies will find the registration form and competition rules on these portals.

Evaluation criteria:

The award jury will evaluate various merits, including job creation, especially permanent employment, employee training initiatives, internationalization, innovation and digitalization, and sustainable projects. These criteria reflect the importance of recognizing SMEs that not only generate wealth but also contribute to social and environmental well-being.

A Consolidated Recognition:

Since its creation in 2017, the SME of the Year Award has attracted more than 10.800 SMEs, consolidating its position as a benchmark in the Spanish business world. In the previous edition, more than 1.600 companies from 50 provinces participated in the event, demonstrating its relevance and the interest it generates within the business community.

As a representative from Banco Santander stated, "This award is a tribute to the effort and resilience of Spanish SMEs, which are the driving force of our economy. We are proud to recognize their work and contribute to their growth."

The extended registration period represents a unique opportunity for Spanish SMEs to highlight their achievements and contributions and receive the recognition they deserve.