Become a Sustainability Hero and Shine on the European Stage with SME EnterPRIZE

The search for Sustainability Heroes is currently in full swing. As in previous years, the SME EnterPRIZE competition in its third edition provides an opportunity for companies that integrate sustainable practices into their business to present their business model to a national and international expert jury, as well as to the general public. If you are a small or medium-sized enterprise dedicated to the community and environmental protection, this competition is intended for you. By participating, you have the chance to win valuable prizes, gain deserved recognition, and inspire others to follow your example in creating a more sustainable future.

– SME EnterPRIZE offers a platform for knowledge exchange on the green transition and enables networking among entrepreneurs and other stakeholders at the national and international level. In Croatia, this competition attracts significant attention from small and medium-sized enterprises every year. Last year’s growth in the number of applications by 40% compared to the previous year is the best testament to the growing interest in SME EnterPRIZE. Sustainability is at the core of Generali’s strategic plan ‘Lifetime Partner 24: Driving Growth’ which guides all our decisions, making Generali a transformative and innovative company that creates long-term value for all stakeholders. We will continue to act responsibly as an insurer, investor, and employer, strengthening our role as a reliable partner. We look forward to this year’s projects and collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises with which we share these values – said Mario Carini, CEO of Generali Insurance.

The campaign accompanying the SME EnterPRIZE competition held in 2023 in Croatia recently received international recognition from the communication profession, winning gold in the Corporate Responsibility category at the IPRA Golden World Awards for Excellence (IPRA GWA), one of the most prestigious global awards in public relations, indicating that the competition and its values have been recognized by communication professionals worldwide, including beyond the borders of Europe.

Who can apply for the 2024 edition of the competition?

All small and medium-sized enterprises that are clients of Generali Insurance or clients of Privredna Banka Zagreb, as well as members of the association Glas poduzetnika, members of the Croatian Business Council for Sustainable Development (HRPSOR), members of the Italian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce, and members of the Women in Adria community can apply. This year, winners will be selected in two categories of the SME EnterPRIZE competition – “Community” and “Environment” – as well as the Overall Winner of the competition, i.e., the Best Sustainable Business Practice from Croatia.

How to apply for SME EnterPRIZE 2024?

Applications for the SME EnterPRIZE competition are open until July 31, 2024. All interested parties can apply on the competition’s website. It is necessary to fill out a PDF form with information about the characteristics of your business model and choose one of the two offered sustainability categories for application (or both) depending on the area of impact of your business. You can find the rules of the SME EnterPRIZE competition HERE.

In which category to apply?

In the “Community” category, small and medium-sized enterprises that enhance the well-being of their employees and their families and positively impact the community and areas in which they operate can apply. This includes contributions to local organizations or projects, employee volunteering, and hiring or empowering disadvantaged individuals. The first-place prize is 4000 euros gross along with an annual digital subscription to Bloomberg Adria worth 130 euros gross. The second-place prize includes a business package of annual travel health insurance and management accident insurance up to 2000 euros gross or an equivalent prize along with an annual digital subscription to Bloomberg Adria worth 130 euros gross.

In the “Environment” category, small and medium-sized enterprises that positively impact the environment by reducing energy consumption, recycling, recovering raw materials, circular economy, developing energy-efficient technologies, reducing CO₂ emissions, preventing food waste, and adopting agricultural practices that protect biodiversity and soil can apply. The first prize is 4000 euros gross along with an annual digital subscription to Bloomberg Adria worth 130 euros gross. The second prize includes a business package of annual travel health and management insurance up to 2000 euros gross or an equivalent prize and an annual digital subscription to Bloomberg Adria in the gross amount of 130 euros.

The overall winner of the competition will be declared the best sustainable business practice from Croatia, selected among the winners of individual categories by an international scientific committee composed of experts from academia, institutions, and the economy. The winner of the competition will receive an advertising package on Bloomberg Adria platforms worth 6250 euros gross and the opportunity to participate in the international final of the Generali SME EnterPRIZE competition in Brussels in the spring of 2025.

Let the story of last year’s Sustainability Hero inspire you

In a world facing challenges of environmental preservation, social exclusion, and economic inequality, the Social Cooperative Humana Nova stands out. Having represented a pillar of sustainability on the national and international scene for over a decade, it was declared the Sustainability Hero and overall winner at last year’s SME EnterPRIZE competition. By producing high-quality products from ecological and recycled fabrics, it not only offers more environmentally friendly clothing pieces but also serves as a significant driver of change in society, setting an example for all towards a better and more sustainable future. Humana Nova focuses on three key areas: managing textile waste, employment opportunities for marginalized groups, and responsible profit utilization. You can learn more about the Social Cooperative Humana Nova in the story about the business of Humana Nova and on its website. #SMEenterPRIZE