Colombia. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) and the newspaper El Espectador join forces for the second consecutive year to present the Sustainable SME Award, an initiative that recognizes the competitiveness of small and medium-sized companies in the country, taking into account their financial results, the use of technology as a productivity tool and good environmental and social practices.
To participate, interested companies must register sales in excess of US$175,000 ($300 million Colombian pesos); more than 10 direct jobs, seniority of more than three years in the Chamber of Commerce and belonging to the service area that has no link with the public sector.
As reported to ACR LATINOAMÉRICA by the Director of Business banking and Institutions of BBVA, Samir Hadad, "sustainable business practices are fundamental for all companies and that is why our award is based on the analysis of sustainability of SMEs; criteria ranging from its very operation, sales, results and respect for the environment".
The winner will receive US$57,000 in cash ($100 million), a specialization in corporate finance or strategic marketing and advertising guidelines in the newspaper El Espectador and the magazine Cromos (local media). Those interested must register for www.premiopyme.com.co before August 31, 2011.
