The Entrepreneur Now Awards 2016 (ENA 2016), organized by BNOW.org (Bangkok Now), a Bangkok networking community for startups and SMEs, and a registered social enterprise based in Thailand, is giving over TH 10 million worth of prizes to winners in nine different categories*, including several priceless one-day mentorship with well-known entrepreneurs.
Prominent entrepreneurs who have generously offered to mentor the winners include Fred Mouawad, Founder and CEO of Synergia One Group of Companies, which runs several industries including gems and jewelry retailing, watchmaking, food service franchising, food manufacturing, IT development and consulting and others; Conor Bracken, CEO of Andovar, a global provider of multilingual content solutions such translation, audio and video recording, localization of websites, eLearning and games; Graham Brain, owner of Obex (Out Of Box Experience) involved in manufacturing, barter trade exchange, restaurant franchising and several technology solutions; and John Stevens, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Stonelotus Capital, which provides angel investment and strategic support to start-ups and early stage businesses in Southeast Asia.
"It is an honor to have such leading and successful entrepreneurs be part of ENA 2016," said explained Pacharee Pantoomano Pfirsch, Founder of BNOW.org and Chairwoman of ENA 2016.
"For winners, it is a life-time opportunity to meet one-on-one with these mentors, who have all gone through the trials and tribulations of setting up, running and growing a business and can provide valuable insights on these issues based on their experiences," she added.
Fred Mouawad has been an avid supporter of the Awards.
"During this one-day mentorship, I will be exchanging ideas about the future of the winner's business to get an independent and unbiased view of their strategic options. It is an opportunity for the winner to ask me questions and share some of their existing challenges so that both of us can learn in the process," he said.
"As a mentor, you not only give guidance and share your experience, but also get new insights about how people run their business. I am looking forward to a productive and rewarding session of sharing of knowledge, information and experiences," added John Stevens.
Supported by OSMEP (Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion), over 20 community partners and 4 media partners, ENA 2016's objective is to promote entrepreneurism, attract investors to Thailand and the ASEAN region, and revitalize the Thai economy and the SME sector.
The Awards is open to entrepreneurs of all nationalities who have a registered business in Thailand (no subsidiary or branch office). They will be judged on (1) uniqueness, (2) vision and potential growth, (3) value in Thailand & ASEAN, (4) eco-sustainability, (5) striking achievements, (6) overcoming challenges and (7) recognition and traction.
"I am delighted about the response we have received so far regarding the Awards and would like to encourage all entrepreneurs to participate. The Awards go beyond just acknowledging the commitment, hard work, innovation and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs in Thailand," said Pacharee.
"The Awards is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to increase their exposure and showcase their products or services to a wider audience including business partners, distributors, and investors. The Awards also connect entrepreneurs to new networks, facilitating more connections and peer learning opportunities."
Applications for the Awards are now open until October 31st 2016 through a video and online application on www.entrepreneurnow.asia. A networking evening will be held in November for finalists to meet with the judges and an award presentation will be held on November 23rd 2016.
The online evaluation panel for judges will be managed and monitored by BMRS Asia, a business and marketing research company.
*Nine categories include:
• Outstanding female entrepreneur
• Outstanding entrepreneur
• Eco entrepreneur
• Creative entrepreneur (art, fashion, food and other artisanal products)
• Innovative entrepreneur (tech, e-commerce, app, online)
• Social enterprise entrepreneur
• Most entrepreneurial team
• SME (50 employees to 100)
• Best newcomer
Sponsors of ENA 2016:
• Brandnow Co., Ltd.
• YouGov
• Thai Legal Counsels
• The Work Loft
• BMRS Asia
• The Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand
• AmPerformance
• NLP Top Coach
• Synergia One Group of Companies
• Genius Minds International Sdn Bhd
• Andovar
• Schnellmedia Asia Co.Ltd
• Cloudee
• Kizmo
• Obex
• Stonelotus Capital