Nominations now open — Submit before 31 July 2026 · Free to enter · Submit Now
SME Excellence — International Recognition
GlobalSMEAwards
Celebrating the ambition, resilience, and innovation of small and medium enterprises across every sector worldwide. Independently judged, globally recognised.
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About the Awards
Celebrating small & medium enterprises
at its finest
The Global SME Awards celebrates small and medium enterprises across all sectors — from professional services and retail to manufacturing, technology, and local service businesses. SMEs are the engine of every economy, and this programme exists to shine a light on the best of them.
Nominations are welcomed from businesses of all sizes within the SME bracket, across all industries and geographies. Our independent judging panel assesses each entry against criteria for commercial performance, customer experience, innovation, and community impact.
"The Global SME Awards levels the playing field — giving smaller businesses the international recognition they deserve alongside the industry giants."
40+
Countries
600+
Winners
10
Core Categories
5
Years Running
Who Can Enter
Any small or medium enterprise operating at a professional standard, regardless of sector or geography. Both B2B and B2C businesses are eligible.
There are no minimum turnover requirements. Sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies are all welcome to enter.
Award Categories
The sub-industries
we recognise
The Global SME Awards covers ten categories spanning the breadth of small and medium business activity across all major sectors.
01
Best SME — Professional Services
Recognising excellence in accounting, legal, consulting, and other professional service firms serving the SME market.
02
Best SME — Retail & Consumer
Honouring innovative independent retailers and consumer brands that demonstrate exceptional customer focus.
03
Best SME — Technology & Digital
Celebrating SMEs that are leveraging technology to innovate, scale, and deliver digital transformation.
04
Best SME — Manufacturing & Trade
Recognising quality, innovation, and operational excellence in SME manufacturing and skilled trades.
05
Best SME — Health & Wellbeing
Honouring businesses in the health, fitness, and wellness sectors that make a positive impact on their communities.
06
Best SME — Food & Hospitality
Celebrating independent restaurants, cafes, and food producers delivering exceptional culinary experiences.
07
Best SME — Creative & Media
Recognising agencies and businesses in design, marketing, media, and other creative industries.
08
Best SME — Community & Social Enterprise
Honouring SMEs that prioritise social impact and community contribution alongside commercial success.
09
Best SME — Sustainability
Celebrating small businesses leading the way in environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.
10
SME of the Year
The premier award for the small or medium enterprise that demonstrates outstanding achievement across all criteria.
How It Works
A rigorous,
transparent
process
Every nomination submitted to the Global SME Awards is assessed through the same independent, structured process — ensuring fairness, credibility, and genuine prestige for every winner.
01
Submit Your Nomination
Complete the nomination form with details about the business, project, or professional you wish to put forward. Nominations are accepted year-round.
02
Initial Eligibility Review
Our editorial team reviews all submissions to confirm eligibility, completeness, and alignment with the relevant category criteria.
03
Independent Evaluation
Shortlisted nominees are assessed by our independent judging panel — senior professionals drawn from across the Small & Medium Enterprises industry internationally.
04
Winner Announcement
Winners are notified, formally announced, and presented with their Global SME Awards digital credentials and certification.
05
Profile Publication
Each winner receives a dedicated profile page published on the Global SME Awards website, with backlinks and social promotion across the Global Awards network.
Past Winners
Recognised for
excellence
SME / Small Business
Beardbrand
Beardbrand is an American men’s grooming company specializing in premium products for beards, hair, and body. Founded by Eric Bandholz in 2012, Beardbrand grew from a simple YouTube channel into a cult-favorite lifestyle brand by championing the "Urban Beardsman"—the guy who wants a beard but also a professional, polished look. After famously turning down the Sharks on Shark Tank, they’ve stayed fiercely independent and bootstrapped in Austin. They don’t just sell beard oil; they’ve pioneered "Utility Oil" for face, hair, and body to simplify your morning routine
SME / Small Business
Pip’s Heirloom Snacks
Pipcorn is an American snack company known for producing popcorn and other heirloom corn–based snacks made with non-GMO, sustainably sourced ingredients. Founded in 2012, the brand gained prominence through its appearance on Shark Tank and the support of Oprah Winfrey, later rebranding as Pip’s Heirloom Snacks in 2025 to reflect its expanded product range.
SME / Small Business
Death Wish Coffee
Founded in 2012 by Mike Brown in a Saratoga Springs basement, Death Wish Coffee was created to satisfy a niche demand for the world’s strongest cup. Unlike competitors, they pioneered a high-quality blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, proving that high-caffeine coffee doesn't have to taste bitter. They are currently leading a shift toward climate-resilient coffee by elevating the status of Robusta plants, which are hardier than traditional Arabica. Recently, the company transitioned from a cult-favorite startup to a retail powerhouse, modernizing their supply chain with data-driven roasting and a more accessible brand identity.
SME / Small Business
Ugmonk
Founded in 2008 by Jeff Sheldon, Ugmonk transitioned from a minimal graphic tee side project into a world-renowned workspace design studio. The Pennsylvania-based brand prioritizes "less but better," famously rejecting Shark Tank to maintain its commitment to intentional, small-scale craftsmanship. A 2020 pivot to the Analog task system shifted their focus from apparel to physical productivity tools designed to combat digital distraction. Today, they lead the premium office market with modular systems like Gather, replacing disposable supplies with heirloom-quality wood and steel.
SME / Small Business
Soko Glam
Soko Glam pioneered the K-beauty movement in the West by curating the best of South Korean skincare for the U.S. market. The platform famously popularized the "10-step Korean skincare routine," shifting consumer focus from quick fixes to a holistic, "skin-first" philosophy. Beyond retail, the company operates an educational hub, The Klog, and has expanded into product development with its own highly-rated in-house skincare lines. Currently, Soko Glam is evolving from an e-commerce leader into a global brick-and-mortar force through international retail partnerships
SME / Small Business
Rothy’s
Rothy’s is a San Francisco-based lifestyle brand transforming the fashion industry through a deep commitment to sustainability and purposeful production. Utilizing innovative 3D-knitting technology, Rothy’s creates stylish, exceptionally comfortable, and machine-washable shoes, bags, and accessories from recycled plastic bottles. By operating their own wholly-owned factory and using sustainable materials, they achieve a near-zero waste process. Rothy’s blends eco-consciousness with modern design to create durable products that feel good and do good for the planet.
SME / Small Business
Cariuma
Cariuma was built on a mission to reinvent the sneaker game through a "constant evolution" mindset, proving that style, comfort, and sustainability can be synonymous. Rejecting the fast-fashion cycle, the brand focuses on crafting high-quality, ethically produced sneakers using responsibly sourced materials like natural rubber, organic cotton, and bamboo.
SME / Small Business
Package Free
Package Free is on a mission to create a positive environmental impact by making sustainable, plastic-free products accessible to everyone. Founded with the goal of reducing landfill waste by eliminating single-use plastic, the brand offers a curated selection of reusables, bulk goods, and zero-waste alternatives for the home and personal care. By reimagining everyday items and focusing on innovative packaging alternatives, Package Free enables consumers to live more sustainably and works to turn the tide on plastic pollution.
SME / Small Business
Graza
Graza is a Brooklyn-based olive oil brand on a mission to strip the pretension out of the pantry. What truly sets Graza apart is its commitment to high-quality, never-blended oils paired with a chef-inspired, squeezable bottle. By moving away from traditional, "precious" glass carafes and leaning into functional, playful packaging, they’ve transformed a kitchen staple into a vibrant lifestyle brand. Their core lineup—"Sizzle" for cooking and "Drizzle" for finishing—is designed to be used liberally and often, celebrating the idea that top-tier ingredients belong on every dinner table, not just on a shelf.
SME / Small Business
Fishwife
Fishwife is a women-founded and led food company on a mission to make ethically sourced, premium, and delicious tinned seafood a staple in every American cupboard. Inspired by the vibrant conservas culture of Spain and Portugal, Fishwife works with small-boat fisherfolk and responsibly managed aquaculture farms to bring high-quality, traceable seafood to the table. Known for their bold, artistic packaging and commitment to sustainability, they have transformed a sleepy category into a culinary movement. With a focus on flavor and traceability, Fishwife is redefining tinned fish for a new generation.
SME / Small Business
Brightland
Brightland is a kitchen essentials brand on a mission to bring "golden state" vibrancy to every home kitchen. Born from a desire for transparency and high-quality, honest ingredients, the company partners directly with small, family-run U.S. farms to craft premium extra virgin olive oils, fruit-forward vinegars, and raw honeys.
SME / Small Business
Magic Spoon
Magic Spoon has reimagined the nostalgic, sugary cereals of childhood into a high-protein, low-carb, and guilt-free daily staple for adults. With a mission to create a "better-for-you" breakfast that doesn't compromise on taste, the company utilizes high-quality protein blends, natural sweeteners, and zero artificial ingredients.
Nominate
Put forward
the best
Nominations are open to any individual, business, or organisation that meets the eligibility criteria. You may nominate yourself, a client, or a company you believe deserves international recognition.
- ✓ Nominations are free to submit
- ✓ Open to all sizes of business
- ✓ International submissions welcome
- ✓ All entries independently evaluated
- ✓ Winners promoted globally
- ✓ Dedicated winner profile pages
Submit Your Nomination
Free to enter. Open internationally. Takes 5 minutes.
FAQs
Common
questions
Everything you need to know about the Global SME Awards nomination process, eligibility, and what winners receive.
Who can nominate for the Global SME Awards?+
Anyone can submit a nomination — whether you are nominating your own business, a client, a supplier, or a company you admire. Nominations are open internationally to any Small & Medium Enterprises professional or organisation operating at a professional standard.
What are the eligibility requirements?+
How are winners selected?+
Winner Testimonial
"Winning the Global SME Award gave us the credibility to pitch to clients we could never have reached before. It was a genuine turning point for our business."
Sarah Mitchell
Brightpath Consulting — 2024 Winner, Best SME — Professional Services
Global SME Awards
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