Application, Assessments and Judging Process
The Singapore SME 500 Award adopts a rigorous, structured, data-driven and merit-based evaluation framework to ensure that only enterprises demonstrating recognised business excellence, strong performance and credibility are recognised.
The process emphasises fairness, transparency, and integrity and is conducted in accordance with the Singapore SME 500 Award assessment methodology that assesses the applicant's quantitative and qualitative performance.
The following process outlines the application, assessments and judging process of the Singapore SME 500 Award:
1. Official submission via ATC's application portal
Enterprises may make an official submission for the Singapore SME 500 Award through ATC's application portal.
Only submissions through ATC's application portal is deemed valid. We do not accept applications submitted through other channels such as emails, WhatsApp, physical submissions or through third-parties.
A pre-submission questionnaire will be required to be completed before the applicant is able to proceed to the next step. The pre-submission questionnaire will determine the enterprise's application eligibility under Singapore SME 500 Award framework.
Upon successful application, an application reference number will be assigned. This reference number will be used in all future communications relating to the submitted application.
In this stage, you may login to the BizPortal with your entity's UEN to upload relevant optional documents that you may wish to provide in support of your application. A list of suggested supporting documents is provided in the BizPortal.
2. Commencement of detailed assessment and evaluation
Assessments are conducted on desktop basis by default, adopting a data-intensive, evidence-based and structured evaluation approach. Applicants are assessed, evaluated and verified based on information obtained through our information and/or supporting partner(s), declared data, verified public records, and independent checks where applicable.
Desktop assessments are conducted by default as it ensures:
• Consistency and fairness
• Objectivity and evidence-based assessment
• Efficiency and structured evaluation across all applicants
At this stage, optional documents that were provided by the applicant will also be reviewed to verified its relevance, authenticity and legitimacy.
3. Business operations verification and due diligence (if applicable)
Where necessary and applicable, the assessing officer will undertake additional verification measures to ensure accuracy and credibility of assessment outcomes.
These may include but is not limited to:
• Request of mandatory supporting documents (eg: latest financial reports)
• Site visit for verification of declared business operating premise(s) and business operations
• Interview with keyman and/or its management personnels
• Request for submission of evidence-backed claims of market positions
• Compliance and regulatory standing verification
4. Final judging, endorsement of assessed results and overall score
Results will undergo final review and endorsement of the final judging score accorded. Only applicants that meets a minimum of 75% of the overall final judging score will be deemed as approved and awarded under the Singapore SME 500 Award.
5. Notification of assessment result
Applicants will be officially notified of their assessment results through email. Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified accordingly, and the applicant may choose to submit an appeal against the concluded results with additional supporting documents.
6. Conferment of Singapore SME 500 Award (if applicable)
Approved and awarded applicants will be conferred the Singapore SME 500 Award. Upon the activation of Singapore SME 500 Award digital welcome kit, the applicant can utilise the controlled title of "Singapore SME 500 Award Winner / SME 500 Award Winner" and the authorised trademarks in accordance with the Singapore SME 500 Award Trademark usage guidelines.
The processes, assessments and requirements outlined above are subject to review and may be amended at any time without prior notice.
View Assessment Infographic