2023 Go Global Awards Program

Deadline: 30-Jun-23

Entries are now open for Go Global Awards Program which is open to businesses of all sizes with innovative, export-ready products or services that have achieved significant success or market penetration in one or more international markets, or have garnered substantial investor and/or media interest.

The go global awards program unites business leaders, government officials, and industry organizations, offering an exceptional opportunity to connect and collaborate.

The awards process begins with entrants submitting an online entry form, which is then evaluated by a panel of industry experts. Shortlisted companies are invited to attend the live three-day event, held in partnership with Rhode Island Commerce. During the event, participants will present their businesses, make final award pitches, engage in B2B meetings, exchange insights, learn about local and foreign government export promotion and foreign direct investment tools, devise new market strategies, and establish valuable partnerships to propel their businesses forward.

Each year, around 50 domestic and foreign government economic development agencies and 400 companies are invited to participate in the exclusive in-person final event round.

Categories

• General Awards
  • Environmentally Conscious Exporter of the Year
  • Export Innovation
  • Exporter of the Year
  • Fastest Growing
  • Future of work – best place to work
  • Future of work – innovate workforce development program
  • Healthiest place to work
  • Legend in Export
  • Minority Owned Business of the Year
  • Product Innovation of the Year
  • Service Excellence
  • Small Business of the Year
  • Socially Responsible Exporter of the Year
  • Start-Up Exporter of the Year
  • Technology Innovation of the Year
  • Women in Business
• Industry Specific Export Awards
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Aerospace
  • Agricultural Products
  • Airline of the Year
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Automotive Technologies
  • Beverages
  • BioTech
  • Blockchain
  • Business Finance
  • CleanTech
  • Construction
  • Creative Industries
  • eCommerce
  • EdTech
  • Education Services
  • Electronics Manufacturing
  • EnergyTech
  • Engineering
  • Fashion
  • FinTech
  • Food Innovation (alternative proteins, manufacturing etc.)
  • Food Manufacturing
  • Freight and Logistics
  • HealthTech
  • Information Technology (Hardware)
  • Information Technology (Software)
  • IoT
  • Last Mile Innovation
  • Legal Services
  • Manufacturer of the Year
  • Marine Technology
  • Maritime Services
  • MedTech
  • Mining
  • Offshore Wind
  • Packaging
  • PharmaTech
  • Professional Services
  • PropertyTech
  • Retail
  • Robotics
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Trade Finance
  • Travel and Hospitality
  • Warehousing and Distribution.

Benefits

• Winning a Go Global Award can provide many benefits for your business, including increased visibility and credibility, access to new markets and customers, networking opportunities with other international business leaders, and the potential to attract new investors and partners.

Why enter the awards program?

• Participating in the Go Global Awards can enhance brand awareness, attract new clients, and serve as a reputable third-party endorsement, while simultaneously providing clarity on your goals, expanding your network, uncovering new market opportunities, and benchmarking against competitors.
  • Elevates Brand Awareness
    • Securing a Go Global Award not only enhances your marketing team’s internal reputation but also highlights your business’s exceptional performance in comparison to competitors, leading to tangible business results.
    • Being shortlisted can bolster brand awareness, promote your business to new customers through local or national PR, and attract the attention of government agencies participating as judges and speakers during the final event rounds.
  • Stand Out From Your Competition
    • Receiving a nomination, becoming a finalist, or winning a Go Global Award serves as a prestigious third-party endorsement for your business, effectively setting you apart from your competitors.
    • The trust and credibility associated with the Go Global Awards recognition can play a crucial role in influencing a potential new customer’s decision to choose your company.
  • Unlocks New Business Prospects
    • Participating in the Go Global Awards opens doors to a plethora of new business possibilities. The finalist rounds, judging events, and awards dinner present ample networking opportunities to connect with industry peers and like-minded professionals.
    • For growth-oriented organizations aiming to embrace exporting or elevate their ambitions, engaging in these awards can introduce you to valuable contacts who can help turn your aspirations into reality.
  • Enhances Organizational Prestige
    • Being nominated for, being shortlisted, or winning a Go Global Award elevates your organizations standing among stakeholders, partners, customers, and employees. Your excellence will help to attract top-tier collaborators who seek to work with the best in the industry.
    • Participating also conveys a positive message to customers, investors, and partners, reinforcing their confidence in choosing your organization.
  • Boosts Employee Morale
    • Participating in the awards serves as an excellent means of acknowledging the dedication and efforts of your employees and partners.
    • Even without securing the top prize, the act of entering demonstrates your appreciation for their work, contributing to an uplift in their confidence and morale.
  • No Charge to Participate
    • Just fill out the online entry form, and if your business becomes a finalist, you’ll receive an invitation to take part in the Council’s Go Global Awards Program in Rhode Island from November 6th to 8th, 2023. There, you’ll have the opportunity to present your pitch to judges, international business leaders, government officials, potential investors, and prospective clients.

Eligibility Criteria

• The Go Global Awards are open to businesses of all sizes and types, including startups, SMEs, and large enterprises. Any business that has expanded its operations beyond its home country can apply for the awards.

Entry Criteria

• Industries: The Go Global Awards offer various categories open to a wide range of industries. To explore the award categories suitable for your business, visit their award categories page (hyperlink). If your industry is not specifically listed, you may consider entering broader categories, such as Exporter of the Year, Small Business of the Year, etc.
• Years in Business: They prefer companies with at least five years in business. However, younger companies on a fast growth trajectory, those that are overseas expansion ready, or already have a presence in international markets are also encouraged to apply.
• Financial Strength: They recommend a minimum annual turnover of $1 million USD (or the foreign currency value equivalent). Smaller companies, particularly startups experiencing rapid growth or those backed by venture capital, may still apply.
• Company Size: The Go Global Awards welcome companies with a minimum of 10 employees. However, typical entrants are those with 50 or more employees and offices in multiple locations, or those ready to expand internationally and possess the capability to do so in the immediate future.

For more information, visit Go Global Awards.