Oskar-Patzelt-Stiftung

The Oskar Patzelt Foundation is dedicated nationwide to recognizing outstanding achievements of medium-sized enterprises and annually awards the economic prize "Grand Prize of Medium-Sized Businesses" in the autumn. Since 1994, more than 22,000 companies with over three million employees have been nominated. The foundation is entirely volunteer-run, exclusively privately funded, and operates according to a quality management system certified under DIN ISO 9001:2015. More than 200 personalities from business, administration, and politics are involved in the board, advisory council, presidency, 13 regional juries, and around 50 service centers.

The Oskar Patzelt Foundation aims to enhance the public reputation of medium-sized entrepreneurs and promote respect for their achievements, raise awareness of the connection "Healthy Medium-Sized Businesses – Strong Economy – More Jobs" among the public, popularize success stories of committed entrepreneurial personalities, and advance network building within the medium-sized business sector.

The funding programs of the Oskar Patzelt Foundation are aimed at medium-sized companies from industry, trade, services, crafts, and commerce throughout Germany. Nominations are made by municipalities, associations, institutions, and companies. The programs also include special awards for "Municipality of the Year," "Bank of the Year," "Premier," and "Premier Finalist." The annual call encourages all stakeholders to publicly showcase outstanding entrepreneurial commitment and to bring together regional and cross-sector networks.