The Order of Entrepreneurial Merit (or Ordem do Mérito Empresarial in Portuguese) is the most junior of the Portuguese civil orders of merit, established to honor entrepreneurs and workers who have made outstanding contributions to the appreciation and services in various economic sectors.
The Order is divided into three categories: Agricultural, Commercial, and Industrial, each corresponding to specific economic sectors, which is reflected in their respective insignia.
The Order was originally established on 4 June 1893 by King Charles I as the “Civil Order of Agricultural and Industrial Merit” during his visit to Beja. It was abolished with the founding of the Portuguese republic and reformulated in 1926. In 1991, it was renamed the “Order of Agricultural, Industrial and Commercial Merit,” recognizing contributions to the trade and service sectors by adding a third class. Legislation in 2011 renamed it to the current “Order of Entrepreneurial Merit,” maintaining the three categories and extending the Commercial Class of Merit to include the tourism sector. The statutes also allow for the recognition of worker merit within their respective sectors.
The Order of Entrepreneurial Merit Grades
The Order is awarded in three categories, each with five classes:
Category of Agricultural Merit (Classe do Mérito Agrícola)
- Grand Cross (Grã-Cruz – GCMA)
- Grand Officer (Grande-Oficial – GOMA)
- Commander (Comendador – ComMA)
- Officer (Oficial – OMA)
- Medal (Medalha – MedMA)
- Honorary Member (Membro Honorário – MHMA)
Recognizes outstanding service in the promotion or enhancement of agriculture, livestock, fish, and forest resources.
Category of Commercial Merit (Classe do Mérito Comercial)
- Grand Cross (Grã-Cruz – GCMC)
- Grand Officer (Grande-Oficial – GOMC)
- Commander (Comendador – ComMC)
- Officer (Oficial – OMC)
- Medal (Medalha – MedMC)
- Honorary Member (Membro Honorário – MHMC)
Honors significant contributions to commerce, tourism, and related services.
Category of Industrial Merit (Classe do Mérito Industrial)
- Grand Cross (Grã-Cruz – GCMI)
- Grand Officer (Grande-Oficial – GOMI)
- Commander (Comendador – ComMI)
- Officer (Oficial – OMI)
- Medal (Medalha – MedMI)
- Honorary Member (Membro Honorário – MHMI)
Awards those who have rendered notable service in the promotion or enhancement of industry.
The Order of Entrepreneurial Merit Design
The star for all three categories is a nine-pointed enamel star, differentiated by color: green for Agricultural Merit, blue for Commercial Merit, and red for Industrial Merit. At the center of the star is the national coat of arms in gold, surrounded by a white enamel border inscribed with “Agricultural,” “Commercial,” or “Industrial” Merit in gold-enamel letters.
This star is centered on a nine-pointed plaque, in gold for Grand Cross and Grand Officer, and in silver for Commander. Between each arm of the star is a five-pointed enamel star matching the category color.
The badge is a miniature version of the star without the five-pointed stars between its arms, suspended from two crossed green enamel palms. It is worn on a sash for Grand Cross, a necklet for Grand Officer and Commander, and a ribbon on the left chest for Officer and Medal.
The ribbon for each category is made of moire silk: green and white for Agricultural Merit, blue and white for Commercial Merit, and red and white for Industrial Merit.
