By the 18^th January 2018, both small and large companies can nominate their projects and inspiring stories into another year of the prestigious Via Bona Slovakia Awards.

“We are very happy we can see a growth in a number of companies that lead their businesses fairly and responsibly here in Slovakia. Companies that appreciate their people and try to motivate them and get them actively engaged in responsible projects. Companies that improve their surroundings and lives of communities in which they operate. Businesses that do not harm the environment and the countryside around them, and bring positive change for both Slovakia and its people. What we are searching for in this year’s Via Bona Slovakia Award are companies that carry out responsible activities beyond what is required of them by law” explains Lenka Surotchak, the Director of the Pontis Foundation.

We Introduce a New Category of Social Innovations and Two Other Special Prizes

This year, the foundation will reward companies in seven categories. For the first time, we will introduce an award for social innovations. “We want to shed light on projects that address an important social problem and have the potential to change the approach to solving different issues. The evaluation committee will select projects that create social and economic added value through cooperation between private, public and non-profit sectors, contributing to the common good, ” explains Lenka Surotchak.

Via Bona Slovakia 2017 will also feature two new specials awards. In cooperation with the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and the Family of the Slovak Republic, we will give away the Award for Employer Friendly to the Family, Gender Equality, and Equal Opportunities. We look for inspiring examples of companies that create the culture of mutual respect, trust, empathy, education, and inclusion in the work environment. “Employees who differ in terms of age, gender, nationality or health challenges are more adaptable to the growing demands of the market and customers on the quality of goods and services,” says Michal Kišša, the Program Director of the Pontis Foundation and Executive Director of the Business Leaders Forum.

The Pontis Foundation supports the effort to meet 17 SDGs, unanimously adopted by 193 UN nations. SDGs represent a new universal standard for sustainable development, bearing in mind all the inhabitants of the planet. In cooperation with the Office of the Vice Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic for Investments and Informatisation, we will, therefore, present special Award for Contribution to the Fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goals. We will reward companies or a group of partners who, in their corporate values and programs, promote some of the 17 SDGs and contribute to their fulfillment through projects and solutions with the current and long-term impact.

The awards will be presented by an independent jury consisting of representatives of the business, governmental, and non-governmental sector as well as educational institutions. The jurors will be selected based on companies’ nominations and personal presentations. Traditionally, the Pontis Foundation will present the Award of the Public based on voting results from the website of the main media partner. Via Bona Slovakia gala ceremony will be held in April 2018.

Via Bona Slovakia Award Categories

Main Awards

• Responsible Big Company

• Responsible Small / Medium Company

Responsible Business

• Green Company

• Great Employer

• Fair Player in the Market

• Good Community Partner

• Social Innovations

Special Awards

• Employer Friendly to the Family, Gender Equality, and Equal Opportunities

• Award for Contribution to the Fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goals