Il Sole 24 Ore’s 2026 Sustainable Business Award, in collaboration with Confindustria’s Piccola Industria, is now open for entries until 23 September

The fifth edition of the Sustainable Business Award is now underway; this initiative, promoted by *Il Sole 24 Ore*, recognises Italian small and medium-sized enterprises that are able to combine growth, innovation and responsibility. This award is dedicated to organisations that are leading the transformation of the production system, by integrating environmental, economic and social sustainability into their development models.

Applications are open until 23 September 2026 on the website ilsole24ore.com/pis2026.

In a context where the digital and ecological transition is becoming an increasingly strategic driver, Italian businesses are called upon to develop models capable of generating lasting value, whilst focusing on human, environmental and economic capital. The Sustainable Business Award fits into this context as a showcase for best practice, recognising SMEs that stand out for their innovative capacity, resilience and long-term vision.

Adopting sustainable solutions today means strengthening competitiveness and market positioning, contributing to the development of an inclusive and robust economic system. The initiative promotes projects in line with the European Union’s green taxonomy, the objectives of the PNRR and the creation of new sustainable supply chains.

Three categories to showcase corporate sustainability. SMEs can apply in one or two of the three categories provided: environmental sustainability, with projects related to the circular economy, energy efficiency and decarbonisation; economic sustainability, with models focused on value creation, employment and regional competitiveness; social sustainability, with initiatives dedicated to inclusion, well-being at work and community support.