The Phoenix Prize has been awarded annually by Referat für Arbeit und Wirtschaft since 2010 and is jointly awarded with the Munich Migration Advisory Board. A total of 38 entrepreneurs with a migration background have already received the prize, including the startup QolwareThe Phoenix Prize is endowed with 5,000 euros and will be divided among three winners in 2021. Since the award ceremony had to be postponed in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, all applications submitted for the previous year will automatically be considered.
Applications are possible until August 31st.
Munich residents with a migration background who run a business or work as freelancers are eligible to apply for the competition. Their company must be based in Munich and have been active in the market for at least three years. The following categories are considered: start-ups, small businesses, established companies, and companies with a distinctive corporate history.
Several criteria apply when evaluating companies:
- Corporate development
- Creation and safeguarding of jobs and training places
- Diversity in companies.
The award is decided by an independent jury of experts. It consists of representatives of the political parties represented in the Munich City Council, the Migration Advisory Council of the City of Munich, the Chamber of Crafts for Munich and Upper Bavaria, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Munich and Upper Bavaria, the Department of Labor and Economic Affairs, and the Office for Intercultural Work of the City of Munich.
