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The winners of the 7th edition of the Heróis PME Awards are now known. This initiative distinguishes Portuguese companies that stand out for their resilience, strategic vision, innovation capacity and economic contribution to the country. The ceremony took place in Lisbon, in front of an audience composed of business representatives, public institutions and sponsors.
This year's edition registered unprecedented engagement, with 135 applications—a 52% growth compared to 2024—from 86 companies, representing a 56% increase from the previous year. The "Startup" category stood out with a 250% growth in applications, while the "Small Company" category led in volume, with 39 competing businesses. These figures underline the growing relevance of the Heróis PME Awards as a platform for recognition and visibility for Portuguese micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
Bernardo Maciel, CEO of Yunit Consulting, stated: "This remarkable growth shows that the Heróis PME Awards are now more than a distinction: they are a movement that inspires and promotes the best of the national economy and that, year after year, has been highlighting the value of SMEs in the Portuguese business landscape."
From the 22 shortlisted finalists, eight companies were distinguished in the seven categories under competition, including the awarding of two ex aequo prizes in the "Internationalisation" category.
Born in Reguengos de Monsaraz and creator of the iconic Sharish Gin, Destilaria António Cuco has conquered more than 30 markets and now receives recognition as the Heróis PME winner in the Microenterprise category
From Porto, NEXT Generation Chemistry transitioned from petrochemical products to biological solutions to transform the textile sector into a greener and more sustainable one. The company is the winner in the Small Company category.
After overcoming a severe crisis, Serralharia Cunha invested in a new 10 million euro industrial unit focused on the production of modular facades for export. The Braga-based company is synonymous with courage and resilience and is recognised in the Medium Company category.
From the interior of Portugal to the world, Twintex created the world’s first 100% recyclable blazer and is now an international benchmark in circular fashion. It is recognised in the Sustainability category.
With BIIP, a project that enhances gastronomic and user experience, Zone Soft won the Digital Transformation category of the Heróis PME Awards.
Having already impacted over 360,000 children in more than 20 countries, UBBO won the Startup category with its gamified educational platform aimed at spreading digital literacy among the younger generations.
With more than 250 employees and presence in over 10 countries, EST is a reference in providing industrial electrical solutions. Based in Leiria, the company was one of the winners in the Internationalisation category.
From Paredes to the world, ALEAL exports all of its production and is an international reference in luxury furniture and decoration. It was also awarded in the Internationalisation category.
In addition to public recognition and visibility, the Heróis PME 2025 winners received prizes aimed at accelerating their growth, training and visibility. Winners in the "General Heróis PME" category (Micro, Small and Medium Companies) were awarded Yunit Consulting services worth 2,500 euros, preferential conditions at novobanco (for the Medium Company), a package of legal support hours from PRA Raposo, Sá Miranda & Associados, a training course of their choice promoted by the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a personalised Business Coaching programme (valued at 3,000 euros) from ActionCOACH, and a day of mentoring with elite athletes Nuno Delgado and Vanessa Fernandes through the Portuguese Olympic Athletes Association. Both winners and finalists will also be featured in the Heróis PME 2025 Yearbook and will participate in a business mission to a market of their choice (valued at 3,000 euros), offered by VICTORIA Seguros.
Winners in the categories of Sustainability, Digital Transformation, Internationalisation and Startup all received a Business Coaching programme and inclusion in the Yearbook. Additionally, winners in the Sustainability, Digital Transformation and Internationalisation categories also benefit from training promoted by the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In the Internationalisation category, the winner will participate in a business mission abroad (valued at 3,000 euros) offered by VICTORIA Seguros and will also receive Yunit Consulting services worth 2,500 euros. The winning Startup will also gain access to the Road 2 Web Summit programme promoted by Startup Portugal and benefit from free software licences from SAGE, including invoicing, commercial and HR management solutions.
The selection of winners was made by an independent jury composed of personalities from the business sector and institutional partners. The jury included Rui Pedro Pinto (novobanco), Luís Teodoro (SoftFinança), Maria José Martins (Brands Community), Rudolf Gruner (Observador), Carlos Suárez (VICTORIA Seguros), João Pedro Guimarães (Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Ken Gielen (ActionCOACH Portugal), Sandra Neves Sarmento and Nuno Delgado (Portuguese Olympic Athletes Association), Hugo Oliveira (SAGE Iberia), João Silva (Startup Portugal), Salvador da Cunha (Lift), Susana Santos Valente (PRA – Raposo, Sá Miranda & Associados), Paulo Padrão (ECO), João Sousa (GCIMEDIA), Teresa Themudo (Grace), Cláudia Mendes da Silva (Women in Tech), and Andreia Jotta (Yunit Consulting).
The 7th edition of the Heróis PME Awards was supported by prestigious organisations sharing the mission of promoting Portuguese entrepreneurial talent. novobanco was the Official Bank of Heróis PME, alongside sponsors such as VICTORIA Seguros, SAGE, ActionCOACH and PRA – Raposo, Sá Miranda & Associados. Institutional partners included the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Startup Portugal, and the Portuguese Olympic Athletes Association, among others.
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Last updated: 27 June 2025
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