Banco Popular, in collaboration with EL PAÍS and Cadena SER radio station, announce the SOMOS EMPRESA awards

• The awards, aimed at SMEs, will honor values such as innovation and work-life balance

• The deadline for submitting applications is June 1

Behind every small and medium enterprise (SME) is a big story. To tell these stories, Banco Popular, in collaboration with EL PAÍS  and Cadena SER radio station have teamed up to organize the first edition of the SOMOS EMPRESA Awards, aimed at paying tribute to  the ability of Spanish entrepreneurs to inspire, create value and generate opportunities.

The awards will be given across six categories:

Innovation. The award in this category is open to all those companies that stand out for having developed a scientifically advanced new idea, service or production process.

Internationalization. For companies that have based their strategy on exporting their products.

Work-life balance. This category pays tribute to the best initiative related to policies of work-life balance, and the integration and training of workers.

Sustainability.This prize honors the work of companies that have excelled in the eco-efficient management and development of ideas or products that contribute to environmental protection.

Future. Aimed at companies formed by entrepreneurs under 35 years old, and focused on originality, sustainability and innovation.

Inspiration. This prize will be awarded to a company that is more than 15 years old, and which is an example of business excellence.

To be eligible, companies must have fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than 50 million euros, must have their main headquarters in Spain, and may not be majority owned by a large parent company. The deadline for submissions opened on April 28 and closes June 1. The organizing entities will then choose three finalists from each category, whose business projects will be presented to a jury of experts selected by the organizers.

Banco Popular president Angel Ron, has spoken of the importance of these awards, which honor the contribution of small and medium enterprises to production in the country, while highlighting the bank’s commitment to the Spanish economy. “The role of our bank is very clear: to enable companies to access credit and to act as a catalyst for new projects. Banco Popular maintains a long-term commitment to the Spanish economy, harmonizing business success with respect and commitment to the world around us”, said Ron.