SMEs recognized for technological innovation

MANILA, Philippines — Five small to medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) on Wednesday were recognized as the most creative, most innovative and most successful in the industry.

PLDT Smart SME Nation held the first ever "Bozz Awards" to recognize SMEs who displayed excellence in technological innovation and digital integration.

The awards also seek to give importance to the role of digital technology in supporting the growth and sustainability of small businesses in the Philippines.

"We exceeded our expected number of nominations by almost 150 percent and we've seen some really inspiring stories of digitally powered business success," PLDT Smart SME Nation Head Kat Luna-Abelarde said in a statement.

The Bozz Awards 2015 was divided into five categories - Boss for Mobile Readiness, Boss for E-Commerce, Boss for Social Responsibility Boss for Social Media and Boss for Customer Services.

Three nominees were chosen for each category:

Boss for Mobile Readiness

• MobKard by Carlo Calimon (winner)
• OrangeApps Inc. by Gian Javelona
• Olryt Homes Philippine Real Estate

Boss for E-commerce

• INDIGOBaby by Denise Gonzales
• Renegade Folk by Tina and Regina Sambalido
• Kimstore by Kim Lato (winner)

Boss for Social Responsibility

• Bambike by Bryan McClelland
• Rags2Riches by Reese Fernandez-Ruiz
• Messy Bessy by Kristine Reyes-Lopez (winner)

Boss for Social Media

• Snoe Beauty by Jen Gerodia-Diaz
• Happy Skin by Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo
• Jason Magbanua by Jason Magbanua (winner)

Boss for Customer Service

• Lay Bare Waxing Salon by Paolo Hilario
• Homegrown Media by Danella Yaptinchay
• TimeFree Innovations by Chino Atillano (winner)

The nominees were assessed by a panel of judges based on promising entrepreneurial journey (20 percent) , market or brand affinity (20 percent), integration of technology to business (30 percent) and product or service innovation (30 percent). The winners were chosen through public voting. — Patricia Lourdes Viray