2011 SME STAR PROGRAM

DTI search for outstanding entrepreneurs now open for nominations

DTI Secretary Gregory L. Domingo has announced that the 2011 SME STAR Program is now officially starting its search for the country’s outstanding entrepreneurs as part of the administration’s development agenda to strengthen and support micro, small and medium enterprises. The latest statistics show that MSMEs represent 99.6% of all registered businesses in the country, and can thus be considered as the backbone of the Philippine economy.

The SME STAR Program is seen as an important component in MSME development and promotion, as it recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs that have shown remarkable achievements in growing their businesses to become globally competitive enterprises. Three award levels are included in the SME STAR Program, corresponding to stages in enterprise growth.

For enterprises in the start-up and capability-building stage, the SME Rising Star Award will be conferred to outstanding MSMEs at the provincial level, with one winner each for the micro, small and medium enterprise categories. Local MSMEs are encouraged to vie for this award, by submitting the required nomination forms and other documents to the Provincial MSMED Council c/o the DTI Provincial Offices. The Provincial MSMED Council determines the winners based on judging criteria. For 2011, there will be 264 SME Rising Star Award winners who will receive a DTI Citation.

Enterprises at the domestic market penetration and export awareness stage are eligible for nomination to SME Star Elite Award, which is conferred at the regional level. Provincial MSMED Councils may endorse one nominee for each of the micro, small and medium enterprise categories. The Regional MSMED Council or an equivalent body screens and determines the winners of the SME Star Elite Award. A total of 51 outstanding enterprises from 17 regions are expected to earn the 2011 SME Star Elite Award, consisting of a DTI Citation.

For highly successful enterprises that have reached the export and expansion stage, the highest recognition is given through the SME Star Presidential Award. Chosen from the pool of current SME Star Elite Awardees, the National MSMED Council executive committee determines the qualifying finalists who are then submitted to a distinguished board of judges. There will be 1 winner for the 2011 SME Star Presidential Award. The winner will receive a Presidential Trophy during the awarding ceremonies to be held as part of the SME Week celebrations in July 2011.

Nomination forms as well as other details about the nomination process are available from local DTI offices. Deadline for submission of nomination forms is March 31, 2011. For inquiries, please contact Ms. Glady Aquino or Ms. Michelle Rea of the Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BMSMED) at telephone numbers 751.0384 local 2509 and 751.5061 or email: bmsmed@dti.gov.ph.