Judging & Proprietor’s Powers
Here's a clear explanation of each judging criterion for the PNG SME Awards, to help entrants understand what judges are looking for:
1. Growth Metrics
This criterion evaluates how much the business has expanded over time. Judges will look at:
❖ Employee Growth: Has the business created new jobs or expanded its team?
❖ Customer Base: Is there a noticeable increase in clients or market reach?
❖ Assets & Revenue: Has the business grown in terms of physical assets, capital, or annual turnover?
Why it matters: Growth shows that the business is thriving, sustainable, and contributing to the economy.
2. Innovation & Creativity
Judges assess how the business introduces new ideas, products, or processes. This includes:
❖ Unique Solutions: Offering something different from competitors.
❖ Creative Problem-Solving: Tackling challenges in original ways.
❖ Use of Technology: Leveraging digital tools or platforms to improve operations.
Why it matters: Innovation drives progress and helps SMEs stay competitive in
changing markets.
3. Reaching Beyond Boundaries – Sustainability & Scalability
This measures how well the business can grow responsibly and expand its impact. Judges consider:
❖ Sustainability: Is the business environmentally conscious or socially responsible?
❖ Scalability: Can the business model be replicated or expanded to new markets or regions?
Why it matters: A scalable and sustainable business has long-term potential and
can influence broader development.
4. Community, Social & Economic Impact
This looks at how the business contributes to society beyond profits. Judges evaluate:
❖ Community Engagement: Does the business support local initiatives or give back?
❖ Social Impact: Is it improving lives—especially for women, youth, or marginalized groups?
❖ Economic Contribution: Is it helping build local economies or reduce unemployment?
Why it matters: SMEs that uplift communities create lasting value and align with
national development goals.
Rules and Special Award
Procedures
1. Single Entry Protocol
In categories with only one entrant, judges will assess the entry against a gateway or benchmark score determined by the judges.
2. Disqualification
Judges have the discretion to disqualify entries that contain false information, breach of ethical standards, or fail to meet eligibility criteria.
3. Tiebreaker
If two or more entries receive the same highest score, judges will reconvene for a tiebreaker scoring process. If the tie persists, the Judging Panel Adjudicator will make the final determination.
4. Special Award Provision in Absence of Nominees
The PNG SME Magazine, Proprietor of the SME Awards, reserves the right to award a Category to an exceptional entrepreneur in the absence of nominees. The recipient must meet all judging criteria and demonstrate outstanding merit. Judges’ scoring will still be required under this circumstance. This recognition, which does not qualify for the highest award, may only be granted under special conditions requiring the Directors’ intervention.
5. Pay-Forward Protocol for Unfunded Winners
If a winner of any Award category has met all judging criteria and is duly selected by the panel, but the category lacks current cash sponsorship or funding, the SME Awards may, at the sole discretion of the Proprietor, may invoke the Pay-Forward Protocol.
Under this protocol, the winner shall be formally recognized and announced during the awards ceremony as the rightful recipient of the award. The Proprietor can commit to delivering the associated award benefits— monetary or otherwise—at a future date, once adequate funding or sponsorship becomes available. This ensures that merit-based recognition is upheld irrespective of temporary financial constraints and reflects the organizer’s commitment to honoring excellence and integrity in the SME sector.
6. Proprietor’s Overarching Authority on Award Titles
While all decisions made by the judging panel are considered final, the Proprietor retains overarching authority to quash, revoke, or recall any award title in the event of a breach of the SME Awards Terms and Conditions where the recipient is found to have engaged in misconduct, provided false information, or is formally charged or convicted of a criminal offense.
This action may be taken at any time following the award, based on credible evidence or legal proceedings.
The decision to revoke an award shall be made at the sole discretion of the Proprietor to uphold the integrity and reputation of the SME Awards.
The Judging & Proprietor’s Powers – 2025 Update grants authority to revoke SME Awards if recipients are found guilty of misconduct or criminal charges, ensuring the integrity of the program. This update applies retroactively to all awards issued from 2020 to 2024, holding past and future winners to the same ethical standards.