Honor to whom honor is due: Small and micro enterprises are also worthy of awards
SMEs are the mainstay of our economy. However, it is often forgotten that a good 98 percent of SMEs are micro-enterprises. They are "there", but rarely in the spotlight. Since December 7, 2019, this has changed: For the first time, a platform for the Cs among SMEs has been created with the Business Expo in Zurich. And explicitly for small businesses, an Entrepreneur Award was also presented for the first time on December 7.
Some sell fashion accessories in individual design, others advise customers on self-management, style or health, and still others earn money with an online store for selected wines. These are just a few examples of how diverse the business fields of small businesses are. Seen in this light, the 40 or so exhibitors at the Business Expo, which took place on December 7 in Zurich, showed an almost representative picture of the small business "scene." Whereby: To speak of a "scene" is almost a bit of a stretch. The fact is that micro and small entrepreneurs make up the largest share of SMEs (98 percent), yet they have hardly any lobby.
Hardly any recognition for small and micro enterprises
Sandra Liliana Schmid also knows this from her own experience. The entrepreneur has already founded several companies (at the age of 17, for example, her father's construction company) and has now been advising mainly SMEs as an organizational developer and management consultant since 2013. So she knows the challenges that micro-enterprises face in everyday business life - and also the frustration that can sometimes arise from a lack of recognition. That's why Sandra Liliana Schmid founded the Business Expo, in order to better connect entrepreneurs and position them more strongly in the market. Within six months, she organized the event, searched for and found sponsors, and also created an Entrepreneur Award.
Product presentation and knowledge transfer at the same place
"The event and the award should bring together female entrepreneurs, male entrepreneurs and a broad audience", Sandra Liliana Schmid explains her objective. The event concept was implemented accordingly: on the one hand, visitors to the Business Expo were able to see for themselves what a wide range of small businesses had to offer. On the other hand, concrete and practical information presented by experts was available in workshops: How do I do marketing via Whatsapp? How do I create a corporate film using a smartphone? How do I organize my finances in a low-interest environment? And in two speed networking sessions there was the opportunity to get in touch with like-minded people.
An award by and for small and micro enterprises
Being a small business owner is a full-time job. However, the achievements of such companies are hardly ever recognized. That is why Sandra Liliana Schmid launched the Entrepreneur Award. "The award is intended to give these entrepreneurs fame, honor and recognition for their great achievements and tireless work," says Schmid. And it should be an award by companies for companies: All entrepreneurs who run a company with up to 49 employees could be nominated. All nominees had until November 15 to collect votes from the community. A total of 7,473 people took part in the online voting, resulting in the first top 10 list. The independent, four-member jury also analyzed the nominated companies and in turn created a top 10 list. These lists were merged, resulting in the final Top 10 list. On December 7, visitors, together with the jury, were able to choose the Entrepreneur of the Year from the 10 finalists.
Entrepreneur Award for fashion label with social claim
The first winner was Michèle Buschor-Frei with her company Caramba Beneficial GmbH. Her business idea: She sells high-quality knitwear under the CARAMBA label, which is produced by women in Alto Trujillo, a town in one of the poorest areas of Peru. The proceeds from sales in Switzerland allow these "mamitas" a way out of poverty and a secure income. Michèle Buschor-Frei's company, which has been on the market for ten years, can thus be cited as a successful example of social entrepreneurship. Michèle Buschor is correspondingly pleased about the win: "For me it is great to have won the prize. It is by no means a matter of course that our brand is so professional today. The prize also belongs to all the people who have supported me and continue to do so."
There will be a Business Expo again in 2020
Sandra Liliana Schmid draws a positive balance overall. "I've already received initial commitments from exhibitors who want to participate again next year," she says. She is now looking for additional partners who want to support her Business Expo idea. The event is expected to take place again in the first week of December 2020.
"Never stop believing in a vision".
Interview with Michèle Buschor-Frei, founder and operator of the label CARAMBA.
Ms. Buschor, congratulations on winning the Entrepreneur Award. What does this award mean to you?
Michèle Buschor: The Entrepreneur Award is a great opportunity for us to continue to draw attention to our label. I hope to find more people who support our brand and make it even better known. My dream is also to expand our activities in Peru even further.
Are there already concrete plans for this?
Yes. In the first quarter of 2020, we will train another 20 women in Peru so that they can produce for us.
The CARAMBA label has been on the market for ten years. What can you pass on to other entrepreneurs from your experience?
The most important thing: Never stop believing in a vision. I, too, have gotten a lot of things off the ground without ever knowing in advance whether they would even succeed. I'm a doer and just get started. With support from the right people, you can achieve any goal.
