SMALL but well-run businesses now have a chance of making it into the award lists without having to fight with the giants.

For the first time, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) - those with a turnover of less than $40 million - will be in the running for the brand new Standard Chartered - Dun & Bradstreet Top 100 SMEs Award.

'The award creates a level playing field for the smaller and growing enterprises to gain recognition,' says a spokesman of Standard Chartered Bank (Stanchart). 'The award now allows a group of strong performers - they can be companies in the lower levels of turnover, however profitable, and of sound financial management - to be ranked.'

To make it to the list, the companies must be in operation for at least three years, show profits for two consecutive years, have a net worth of at least $1 million, must not be a listed company or the subsidiary of a listed company and have at least 30 per cent local equity.

Looking at the financial statements of the short-listed companies for financial year 2007, business information provider Dun & Bradstreet ranked them on their return on equity, which measures the company's efficiency at generating profits.

Of the top 100 SMEs in Singapore, 34 are in the wholesale trade industry. From the other winning SMEs, 17 are in services, 13 in retail trade, 13 in transportation and public utilities, 11 in manufacturing, seven in construction and five in finance, insurance and real estate.

Profit after tax for these 100 companies amounted approximately to about $2 million in FY2007, and the average profit growth was 302 per cent.

All the SMEs that are ranked will receive an award certificate.

From the 100, the top 10 performers from each country will also receive a trophy. Profit after tax for the top 10 SMEs amounted to over $5 million.

The Singapore top 10 enterprises include health products retailer OTO Bodycare and car distributor Perocom Auto. Taking the No. 1 spot is Superworld Electronics, a manufacturer and supplier of electronic and electrical magnetic components.

These 10 SMEs received their trophies from Ms Jessica Tan, deputy chairman of the Finance, and Trade and Industry Government Parliamentary Committee, at a gala dinner on May 23 at the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore hotel.

Says the Stanchart spokesman: 'We also observe in recent years, a trend of growing enterprises succeeding in building a solid local base, expanding successfully overseas and establishing a strong brand name.'

These companies can see how they perform against the SMEs in other countries as the top 100 SMEs in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia will be ranked as well.

The top 100 SMEs in the four countries will be featured in a publication, which is the first of its kind.

Says the spokesman: 'Companies can see how they match up against their competitors or potential joint venture partners in terms of return on equity and other financial data. SMEs in the region can utilise this publication when doing business with each other.'

He adds: 'At the same time, the ranking will also help SMEs who are venturing overseas for the first time to establish and present a credible and credit-worthy business to their transnational business and financial partners.'