For enquiries, please contact the SOE Secretariat Office:
Email: awards@soe.org.sg
Call/WhatsApp: (65) 8129 1079 / (65) 8082 2278
SOE Awards 2026 – Applications now open
About the SOE Awards
Celebrating Entrepreneurial Excellence
The Spirit of Enterprise (SOE) Awards honours outstanding local entrepreneurs who exemplify innovation, resilience and fair business practices, while inspiring the next generation through a unique student-led interview process.
- 700+ Entrepreneurs Recognised: A strong legacy of supporting sustainable and growth-driven businesses, and celebrating individuals who contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s development.
- Student-Led Interviews: Connecting students with entrepreneurs and business owners across diverse industries and business sizes – from micro-trades and start-ups to well-established companies.
- Community Commitment: Fostering a vibrant and responsible entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Notable Past Honourees
Join the ranks of entrepreneurs from iconic local brands:
PropNex Realty | Charles & Keith | Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Bengawan Solo | Commonwealth Capital | Neo Group
Eu Yan Sang International | Dian Xiao Er Group | iFAST Corporation
Award Categories Now Open for Application
| Award Category | Who Should Apply | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
|
SOE Award (for entrepreneurs from Established businesses) |
Entrepreneurs from established businesses that have been in operation for more than 5 years at the point of application |
|
|
SOE Start-up Award (for start-up entrepreneurs) |
Entrepreneurs from start-up companies that have been in operation for more than a year but less than 5 years at the point of application | |
| SOE Micro-business Award | Owners of a sole proprietorship or small-scale business registered in Singapore that have been in operation for at least 10 years at the point of application |
|
| Award Category | Who Should Apply | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
|
SOE Award (for entrepreneurs from Established businesses) |
Entrepreneurs from established businesses that have been in operation for more than 5 years at the point of application |
|
|
SOE Start-up Award (for start-up entrepreneurs) |
Entrepreneurs from start-up companies that have been in operation for more than a year but less than 5 years at the point of application |
|
| SOE Micro-business Award | Owners of a sole proprietorship or small-scale business registered in Singapore that have been in operation for at least 10 years at the point of application |
|
For further information, please download and refer to the relevant Nomination Kit.
Detailed Eligibility & Requirements
We have expanded our categories to ensure every level of enterprise is recognized.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident. |
| Age | Must be 21 years or older as of 1 January 2026. |
| Location | Company must be registered and operating in Singapore. |
| Legal Standing | Must not be involved in any legal proceedings that would deem the nomination unsuitable. |
| Interview | Must be willing to undergo an audio-recorded interview with assigned students. |
| Attendance | Honourees must attend the November 2026 Gala Dinner to accept the award. |
| Award Category | Years in Operation | Key Eligibility Highlights | Mandatory Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SOE Award (Established) |
> 5 Years | Min. 30% shareholding; SC/PR; Not listed on stock exchange. | Latest ACRA Business Profile (dated < 6 months). |
| SOE Start-up Award | 1 to 5 Years | Min. 30% shareholding; SC/PR; Not listed on stock exchange. | Latest ACRA Business Profile (dated < 6 months). |
| SOE Micro-Business Award | At least 10 Years | Sole Proprietorship or small-scale business; SC/PR; Heart-led trades. | ACRA record OR valid license (e.g., NEA for Hawkers). |
| Award Category | Target Pool | Selection Basis | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Honouree of the Year | SOE Award Winners | Epitomises leadership, resilience, and success. | PropNex Realty |
| Top Start-up Award | Start-up Award Winners | Best start-up journey and leadership potential. | NEO Group |
| Social Contributions Award | All Honourees | Sustainable impact beyond profit; philanthropy. | Dian Xiao Er |
| Sustainability Award | All Honourees | Active steps toward environmental responsibility. | Eatz Group |
| Entrepreneurship Award | Past SOE Honourees | Demonstrated significant growth since their first win. | CLA Global TS |
Overview of the Process
-
1Nomination and Application (Free)
Submit your application to SOE via the Nominee Registration Form, and upload the required business ACRA or equivalent supporting document, dated within the last 6 months.
-
2Verification
SOE screens all applications against the qualifying criteria. Applicants will then be informed of their eligibility via email.
-
3Interview with Assigned Student Interviewer(s)
An assigned student interviewer will conduct an audio-recorded interview with you (in-person or virtual) and prepare a transcript for your approval.
-
4Submission Deadline – 10 May 2026
Student interviewers will submit approved transcripts and supporting documents to SOE, on the applicant’s behalf
Judging Criteria
Established and Start-up Categories:
- Leadership: Demonstrates strong organisational leadership, clear mission and values, sound governance, and responsibility to the community and environment.
- Strategy: Develops and implements strategic plans aligned with the organisation’s mission, capabilities and evolving challenges.
- People: Effectively harnesses employee potential to achieve organisational excellence.
- Customers: Understands market trends and customer needs to build strong relationships and deliver exceptional experiences.
- Impact on Community: Drives positive social impact through job creation, sustainability, philanthropy or meaningful community initiatives.
- Entrepreneur’s Business Profile and Financial Performance: Shares their entrepreneurial journey through an interview and transcript; submission of financial statements (encouraged but not mandatory) supports assessment of growth potential.
Micro-business Category:
- Ingenuity: Demonstrates creativity and resilience in overcoming challenges and adapting to customer needs.
- Service Excellence & Community Impact: Builds customer trust through dedication, honesty, and a personal, service-oriented approach.
- Resilience: Shows longevity and growth through strong customer relationships and community support.
- Local & Cultural Influence: Establishes a meaningful presence in the neighbourhood, fostering community connections and attracting patrons.
- Entrepreneur’s Business Profile: Shares the entrepreneurial journey through an interview and transcript to illustrate vision and potential.
