How to apply

Who can take part in the European Small and Mid-Cap Awards?

Listed companies:
- With a market capitalisation of at most €1 billion at the date of Initial Public Offering (IPO); and
- Those were publicly listed on a Regulated Market or MTF operated by one of the participating exchanges between 01.01.2023 and 31.12.2024 only. Companies should demonstrate sufficient liquidity, defined as an average daily trading value during the evaluation period (01.01.2023 to 31.12.2024) of:
  • For Small-Cap Companies: At least 0.5% of their free float market capitalization
  • For Mid-Cap Companies: At least 0.2% of their free float market capitalization
  These calculations will be based on verifiable exchange data from a recognized source within the EU 27 Member States / participating stock exchanges. Dual listing is allowed if it involves fundraising, and
- Nominated by a participating stock exchange from within the EU 27 Member States.
Companies that have not won first place in any of the four categories in the Small and Mid-Cap Awards 2024. To the extent possible, exchanges are encouraged to put forward companies that have not been shortlisted in 2024; however, having been shortlisted (without having won the first place) does not disqualify a company from being nominated again.
For the Special Mention Category: An initiative, an individual or a company meriting special recognition for outstanding support for/work in highlighting the main issues faced by/proposals to aid small and mid-cap companies accessing public financing.

Why nominate a small and mid-cap company?

To promote the value of smaller listed companies
To provide increased visibility to small and mid-cap companies
To demonstrate the value of equity financing to the real economy

How to apply?

Please download the application form below and send it to us at secretariat@europeanissuers.eu by Monday 2 June at the latest.

The Terms of Reference for the Awards apply to all categories - download here.

International Star

Criteria:

Geographic presence and links beyond the EU Single Market
Impressive results in terms of international sales, profit and market share growth
Well-managed and demonstrating a sound strategy for taking advantage of opportunities outside its own country

Download the application form here.

Rising star

Criteria:

Outstanding performance in the sub-group of SMEs with a market capitalisation of up to €200 million
An emerging business with clear further growth potential and evidence of good governance
Since going public, its share price should have risen to a respectable but not excessive premium

Download the application form here.

Star of Innovation

Criteria:

A company that places innovation at the centre of its strategy for business development
Well-managed and successful in its sector
Particular attention will be paid to the future potential that the innovation offers

Download the application form here.

Star of Sustainability

Criteria:

Corporate citizenship and good governance: active incorporation of ESG issues – encompassing climate, labour and wellbeing, and corporate governance concerns – into company policies and practices, including disclosures; demonstrable commitment to The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact.
Development of ESG-friendly solutions and/or issuance of sustainable finance instruments (e.g. green, social, or sustainability-linked bonds) to support its sustainability goals and deliver concrete impact
Market share, sales, employment and long-term profit growth*
Share price performance with a long-term perspective*

Download the application form here.

Star of 2025

Unlike in previous editions, where the Star of the Year was a separate category, this year, the Star of 2025 will be awarded to the best overall entry selected from the applications submitted to the four categories: Star of Innovation, International Star, Rising Star, and Star of Sustainability.

Special Mention

Criteria:

An initiative, an individual or a company meriting special recognition for:
- outstanding support for/work in highlighting the main issues faced by/proposals to aid small and mid-cap companies accessing public financing.
- Additionally, they could also be submitted for specific policy initiatives or representatives, an initiative supporting SMEs, or an outstanding report in this field.
Cannot include initiatives run by exchanges themselves.
Nominations for this category can be submitted by multiple stakeholders, including exchanges, companies, policy makers, and others.

Download the application form here.