PLDT SME Nation’s pioneering social media crowd sourcing search for the new generation of entrepreneurs is all set to welcome a new batch of digitally-driven industry game-changers.

#BeTheBoss, in partnership with Rappler, is back for year two as it continues on its mission to recognize excellence in technological innovation and digital integration.

“Our goal is simple and poignant—to demonstrate how digital technology can empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and help them grow their business by looking to young and savvy entrepreneurs who’ve actually done it,” VP and Head of PLDT SME Nation Mitch Locsin said.

Online nominations are currently ongoing until July 10, 2016 at rappler.com/betheboss. A panel of judges will short list the nominations and choose the top three finalists for each category. The final phase will be the online public voting which will comprise of 40 percent of the finalists’ score.

Gabby, Mitch and Amil #BeTheBoss

This year’s categories are: Boss for E-Commerce is for the e-commerce champ who knows how to own the internet and its opportunities through an innovative application or an online service; Boss for Social Media is the entrepreneur who knows how to maximize social media platforms and use it for growing an online community; Boss for Social Responsibility is the entrepreneur who goes beyond marketability and profitability by giving back to the community; and finally, Boss for Innovative Solutions is for the leader who thinks outside the proverbial box and utilizes technology to offer services and ideas that cater to a broad audience.

Last year’s first batch of winners and finalists, narrowed down from over 500 nominations from around the country, flew to Silicon Valley for a unique digital immersion in one of the world’s technological melting pots.

Boss for E-Commerce Kim Lato of online tech store Kimstore, Boss for Social Media and top wedding photographer Jason Magbanua, Boss for Customer Service and queuing solutions company TimeFree Innovations founder Chino Atilano, Boss for Social Responsibility and Messy Bessy founder Kristine Reyes-Lopez, and Boss for Mobile Readiness and mobile app MobKard founder Carlo Calimon also received mobile business kits from SME Nation.

This year’s winners will also get the opportunity to broaden their horizons and globalize their business with the Silicon Valley experience.

Locsin added, “For traditional entrepreneurs, digital can be daunting and discouraging. But that’s exactly what we want to disprove with #BeTheBoss. We want to show everyone that the right digital business solutions can actually democratize and level the playing field especially for MSMEs who are only starting to carve their niche in the industry.”