Ľubomír Očenáš, owner of Lukamasiv company, holding the award for 2023. (source: Lukáš Klčo)
In Slovakia, the “brain drain” phenomenon and the need to switch from a quantitative economy to a qualitative one are ever-more frequently discussed topics. But Slovakia is not just an assembly hall for multinational production companies: it has produced a number of well-regarded companies that have generated great ideas and know-how, and have managed to turn them into reality. A significant portion of these are family businesses.
Who’s eligible for a FéliX Business Award
The FéliX Award is open to inspiring business and self-government activities that contribute to a more modern and richer Slovakia. All nominations are evaluated based on transparent criteria in cooperation with KPMG and other partners. The winners are selected by an independent jury of respected social and business figures.
There are five categories:
Main category – Excellent Business Story
Exceptional Family Business
Slovenská Sporiteľňa Award for Public Good
Self-Administration for Future Generations
Business for Future Generations
The Exceptional Family Business Award focuses on:
A success story and responsible business
Financial health and business performance
The family business atmosphere and coping with generational exchange
Three years ago, Index magazine, in cooperation with the Slovenská Sporiteľňa bank, launched the FéliX Business Awards, based on the idea that positive examples can motivate others. One of the award categories showcases family businesses.
“The importance and legitimacy of such awards is growing, especially at a time when the word ‘entrepreneur’ is becoming a pejorative, influenced by cases and scandals associated with various ‘also-entrepreneurs’”, said Branislav Benčat, editor-in-chief of Index magazine, when the first FéliX awards were announced in December 2021.
Norbert Hovančák, a board member at Slovenská Sporiteľna and the executive responsible for corporate banking and financial markets, added that there are many successful business projects in Slovakia, behind which are successful and smart people.
“They are helping to transform Slovakia into a modern country with a future,” said Hovančák, a member of the jury in 2021. “Also, through the FéliX award, we want to highlight their creativity, expanding prosperity as well as their social responsibility.”
Business awards hold importance not only for companies but also society.
“We learn through examples and interesting stories,” said Ivana Molnárová, jury member and then-head of the Profesia job portal. “We can be inspired and believe that success is possible: If they did it, I can do it, too. It’s also important to communicate the way that each company succeeded, so that it’s also about the obstacles it had to overcome.”
Winners of the FéliX Business Award in the family business category
Over its three years, the number of nominations in the family business category have tripled.
