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SBS Awards 2026
Celebrating Those Driving SME Impact in Europe

The inaugural SBS Awards Ceremony recognises the experts and standards that strengthen the role of small and medium-sized enterprises in European standardisation.

At a pivotal moment for the future of the European market, this event brings together key stakeholders to highlight contributions that make a real difference for SMEs, and to affirm their essential role in building a fairer, more innovative and competitive Single Market.

Discover the Awards

Awards Categories

SBS Expert of the Year

Individual Award

Who can be nominated for SBS Expert of the Year?

Only SBS registered experts who were active during 2025 are eligible. Nominations may be submitted by the expert themselves (self-nomination) or by other experts or organisations who can attest to the candidate work and impact.

Every application must include:
  • A success story highlighting the impact of the expert work for SMEs
  • A professional photo and a short biography
  • Evidence of main achievements in 2025 demonstrating outstanding commitment to SME representation in European standardisation

Applications can highlight the expert contributions at both European level (working groups in CEN, CENELEC, ETSI) and international level (e.g. ISO), including active participation, leadership roles, and concrete outcomes delivered on behalf of small businesses.

The jury selection is still underway. Before the vote, the SBS Secretariat reviews all nominations for eligibility, verifies the accuracy of submitted evidence, and ensures no candidate presents a conflict of interest. 

Yes. Nominees in the Expert of the Year category must ensure they are available to attend the ceremony in person on 29 June 2026 in Brussels. Nominees who cannot confirm their attendance should take this into account before submitting or accepting a nomination.
Apply or Nominate now

Standard of the Year

Team Award

Who can nominate a standard?

Anyone with a success story about how a standard has positively impacted SMEs is encouraged to nominate. This includes SMEs themselves, SME organisations, industry associations, standard setters, and any other stakeholder who can demonstrate tangible benefit for small businesses.

The nominated standard must be either:
  • A new standard developed in 2025, or
  • A revised standard published in 2025
Both European standards (CEN/CENELEC/ETSI) and international standards (ISO) are eligible.
Every application must include a success story showing the real impact of the standard for SMEs. Strong applications may demonstrate one or more of the following:
  • Concrete impact for SMEs in general or within a specific sector
  • How the standard helps SMEs develop at European level and access new markets
  • Security, safety, or quality improvements it brings to small businesses
  • Social, environmental, or consumer dimensions of its benefits

The jury selection is still underway. On stage, an official from the relevant standards organisation (e.g. ISO or CEN/CENELEC) or the convenor of the working group may be invited to receive the trophy on behalf of the standard.

Apply or Nominate now

Why apply to the SBS Awards?
Showcase SME standardisation success and spark wider engagement across Europe.

Gain European Visibility

Showcase your work and increase your visibility at the European level, in front of key decision-makers and stakeholders.

Receive Recognition

Be recognised for your contribution to SME-inclusive standardisation by EU policymakers and leading organisations.

Connect with Key Actors

Meet and exchange with standardisation leaders, SME representatives and European stakeholders in Brussels.

Key Dates

1

4 May

Call for
applications

2

16 June

Submission
deadline

3

17 - 19 June

Selection
of finalists

4

29 June

Awards Ceremony

European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)

Meet the SBS
Awards Jury

The SBS Awards Jury brings together a distinguished group of experts and representatives from key European organisations. Combining technical expertise with a broad understanding of SME challenges, the jury ensures a fair, independent and well-balanced evaluation of all nominations.
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Submit Your Application for the SBS Awards

Fill in the form below to apply for the SBS Awards 2026. Make sure to select the appropriate category and provide all required information to support your submission.

Mark your calendars!

Applications for the SBS Awards open on 4 May.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the SBS Awards?

The SBS Awards Ceremony is a new and permanent feature of the Meeting Standards Initiative, SBS flagship annual European event. Held for the first time on 29 June 2026 in Brussels, the ceremony celebrates outstanding contributions to SME-inclusive standardisation, recognising both the individuals and the European standards that have made a measurable difference for small businesses across Europe.
Meeting Standards is a European initiative reaching more than 700,000 people every year across all industrial sectors. Being nominated or recognised at the SBS Awards puts your work and your commitment to SMEs in front of EU policymakers, standards organisations, industry leaders and the broader European business community. It is the perfect platform to raise awareness about the use of standards for SMEs and to showcase real success stories that inspire others. Beyond visibility, finalists are featured in a dedicated campaign across the Meeting Standards website and social media, amplifying your story well beyond the ceremony itself.

There are two distinct categories:

  • SBS Expert of the Year: An individual award recognising an SBS expert who demonstrated outstanding commitment to SME representation in European standardisation throughout 2025.
  • Standard of the Year: SBS flagship recognition celebrating the European standard that delivered the most significant and measurable benefit for SMEs in 2025.

The timeline for the 2026 cycle is as follows:

  • 4 May 2026: Call for applications opens
  • 16 June 2026: Deadline for all submissions
  • Jury deliberation: Selection of 3 finalists per category
  • 22-30 June 2026: Finalists featured on the Meeting Standards website and social media campaign
  • 29 June 2026: Winners announced at the Awards Ceremony, EESC premises, Brussels