GrowthCon PH 2025: How to Nominate for the TBM Startup Awards
The first-ever TBM Startup Awards is set to take place as part of GrowthCon PH 2025.
The Business Manual will be holding its exclusive business and networking summit, GrowthCon PH 2025, on June 10, 2025, at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura, Taguig. In collaboration with SM Supermalls and its SM for MSMEs program, GrowthCon seeks to be a platform that champions the growth of startups and MSMEs in the country.
With the theme “Powering Up the Startup Ecosystem Through AI,” this year’s summit dives deeper into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in fueling startup growth. During this event, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and industry leaders will gather for an afternoon of insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and a showcase of some of the most promising startups in the country.
The Business Manual is proud to introduce the inaugural Startup Awards as part of this year’s GrowthCon PH, and honor the most forward-thinking startups that are reshaping industries through groundbreaking AI integration, visionary leadership, and sustainable growth strategies.
The Business Manual is accepting nominations for the Startup Awards 2025, and winners will receive invaluable media exposure and exclusive networking opportunities with investors and industry leaders.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for nomination for the Top 5 Startup Awards, a startup must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Must be actively operating for 4-5 years with a proven market presence.
- Startups from any industry are welcome, provided they demonstrate innovation, impact, and scalability.
Startups can be nominated by industry leaders, investors, or through self-nomination.
Nomination Guidelines
To officially nominate a startup for the Startup Awards 2025, nominators must submit a one-page document detailing the nominee’s achievements and qualifications based on the following criteria:
Innovation, Uniqueness, & AI Integration (30%)
Nominated startups must demonstrate a clearly defined problem they are solving and how their solution stands out. The evaluation will look at the novelty of their approach, proprietary technologies or business models, and how artificial intelligence is meaningfully embedded into their product, service, or operations.
Market Impact & Traction (25%)
Startups will be assessed based on their market penetration, customer/user base, revenue milestones, and partnership development. Supporting indicators such as industry recognition, awards, or media coverage will help validate their impact.
Growth Trajectory (20%)
This includes growth in customer base, funding rounds secured, and projected expansion plans, particularly around scaling AI-driven solutions or entering new markets.
Leadership & Vision (15%)
Founders’ decision-making, strategic vision, and ability to lead through technological disruption will be evaluated. Strong leadership with a forward-thinking mindset will be considered a key driver of success.
Sustainability & Scalability (10%)
Startups must show the ability to scale their businesses while implementing long-term strategies around sustainability, AI ethics, and social responsibility.
Nomination Form and Deadline
Nominators should ensure that the following details are included in the nomination form:
- Name of Nominator
- Email Address
- Nominee (Startup Name)
- Founder(s) Name(s)
- Industry
- Years of Operation
- One-Page Nomination Document (PDF)
- Startup Logo
Nominations must be submitted on or before June 8, 2025. A subscription to The Business Manual is required in order to place a nomination for the Startup Awards 2025.
Nominations will then be reviewed by a panel of industry experts and business leaders. Each of the Top 5 Startups will be formally recognized during GrowthCon 2025 and awarded with invaluable media exposure worth PHP 500,000 via The Business Manual.
Submit your entries here.
Stay updated on GrowthCon PH 2025 via The Business Manual’s official website, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
To be eligible for the TBM Startup Awards, a startup must have been actively operating for four to five years with a proven market presence. Startups from any industry can qualify, provided they demonstrate clear innovation, measurable impact, and scalability, and may come from any sector.
Nominating a startup requires submitting a one-page document detailing the nominee’s achievements, along with a completed nomination form listing the nominator’s details, the startup’s founders, industry, and years of operation. Nominations can come from industry leaders, investors, or through self-nomination.
This accounts for 30% of the total score. Market impact and traction follow at 25%, with growth trajectory, leadership and vision, and sustainability and scalability making up the remaining criteria.
Each of the Top 5 startups recognized at the TBM Startup Awards will be formally honored during GrowthCon PH 2025 and receive media exposure valued at PHP 500,000 through The Business Manual, along with networking opportunities with investors and industry leaders.
Nominations for the TBM Startup Awards were due on or before June 8, 2025, ahead of GrowthCon PH 2025 on June 10 at Samsung Hall, SM Aura, Taguig. A subscription to The Business Manual was required to submit a nomination for consideration.
