Selection Process

Overview

A shortlist of enterprise finalists will be selected annually from each region based on the company’s ability to meet the award selection criteria with distinction. Winners will be awarded a finalist grant of up to US$100,000 during an awards ceremony within the target region.

Round 1

Applicants complete the first round of an application survey which focuses on establishing their basic eligibility and introducing their business.
A shortlist of quarter-finalists is selected within four weeks based on the survey responses.

Round 2

Quarter-finalists are asked to provide supplementary information gathered in a second in-depth survey focused on their sustainable contribution to their primary stakeholders: customers, owners, workers and future generations.

Round 3

Semi-finalists participate in in-depth phone interviews with Pioneers of Prosperity staff, and will be asked to provide financial materials.

Round 4

Finalists open their doors to Pioneers of Prosperity staff for one day on-site visits and evaluations.

Round 5

Finalists’ cases are then presented to a panel of competitiveness and entrepreneurship experts who will select the winning companies.

Grants of up to US$100,000 will be awarded at a regional ceremony. Grants may be applied toward technical infrastructure, including equipment such as computers, training facilities, and software, as well as training for executives and employees, and strategic planning support.