CBI Sustainable Business Award
Does your company stand out in sustainability? Are you driving positive social and environmental impact while strengthening your business? Then apply for the CBI Sustainable Business Award 2025. This is your chance to inspire others and gain international recognition! We will announce the winner during the online award ceremony on Tuesday 7 October 2025 11:00-13:00 CEST.
About the CBI Sustainable Business Award
At CBI, we believe that sustainability is key to long-term business success. Many SMEs in our projects are leading the way in sustainable business practices, but their achievements often go unseen. The CBI Sustainable Business Award 2025 recognizes and rewards SMEs that integrate sustainability into their operations while strengthening their business.
Download the CBI Sustainable Business Award 2025 infographic (PDF) or download the file below:
File
Why apply?
Winner:
- Receives a fully financed, tailor-made study trip to the Netherlands for two persons, to further support their sustainability journey and broaden their network;
- Gains international visibility through CBI’s communication channels.
Finalists (Top 3):
- Present their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) story live during the online award ceremony on Tuesday 7 October 2025;
- Are featured in a special article on the CBI website, highlighting their achievements.
Top 10 Applicants:
- Receive a Certificate of Participation recognizing their contribution to sustainable business practices.
For whom
SMEs in our partner countries can apply if your company:
- Is currently participating in a CBI project, or;
- Participated in a CBI project that was completed in 2024 or 2025.
Duration and important dates
- Application period: May and June 2025
- Application deadline: 1 July 2025
- Shortlist announced: August 2025
- Finalists announced: September 2025
- Online award ceremony: Tuesday 7 October 2025 11:00-13:00 CEST. Invitation will follow.
Applications
Ready to apply? Please have the following information ready when submitting your application.
Step 1: Create your 1-minute video pitch
Tell us why your company should win! Create an inspiring 1-minute video explaining:
- Your company’s sustainability efforts (social and/or environmental);
- How you show leadership and/or innovation in sustainability;
- The impact of your work on your business and community.
No professional production needed! You can record the video with a phone, camera, or laptop.
For more information see the detailed CBI Sustainable Business Award submission guidelines.
Step 2: Complete your written submission
Summarize your company (in max 2 pages in English), your sustainability initiatives, the impact achieved, and how sustainability benefits your business.
For more information see the detailed CBI Sustainable Business Award submission guidelines.
Step 3: Submit your application
- Share your video via e-mail: CBI-CSR@rvo.nl
- Upload your written submission via the CBI Sustainable Business Award registration page.
After your application
We will assess your application based on the following criteria:
| Category | Weight | What we look for |
| Sustainability Impact | 30% | Demonstrated positive social and/or environmental impact. Quantitative and/or qualitative evidence where relevant. |
| Leadership & Innovation | 30% | Clear examples of leadership, innovative approaches, and a vision for further sustainability growth. |
| Business Case | 25% | How sustainability has strengthened business operations or outcomes. |
| Quality of Submission | 15% | Clarity, completeness, and compelling storytelling. |
A CBI selection panel will create the top 10 shortlist.
An independent international jury will select the top 3 finalists and the winner.
You will hear whether we approve your application in August 2025.
Get inspired by watching our animation video:
Questions?
For more information about the CBI Sustainable Business Award 2025, please contact us via CBI-CSR@rvo.nl.