CareZone, the region’s first mobile platform with a heart, was named ‘Best New Business’ at the SME Advisor Stars of Business Awards 2011.

Over 3,800 companies from across the Middle East were nominated for the awards, and the winners were selected by a panel of industry leaders based on a number of criteria, a statement from the company said.

CareZone benefits both companies and consumers while facilitating support for various charitable causes. Through a free iPhone app, CareZone users are incentivised to visit and purchase from CareZone partners, who in turn make contributions to each individual user’s favorite causes, the statement said.

The innovative platform is constantly adding new businesses to its network, and giving users more places to shop at and support their favorite causes. Causes range from local organisations such as Dubai Autism Center and K9 Friends, to regional and international organisations such as the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and the UN World Food Programme.

Users are also invited to suggest their favorite causes if they aren’t already listed within CareZone, it said.

Over the coming months, the company will add many new features to the app, making CareZone available in Arabic as well.

In addition, apps for Blackberry and Android devices will also be developed.

It is currently seeking out investors to help it not only expand the platform, but also offer it in new markets across the region.

Ritesh Tilani, CareZone founder and CEO, said: “This award gives us recognition for our efforts and perseverance, and also a huge win for CSR and social entrepreneurship. It tells us that the leaders of the business world agree with us that it’s not just important to make money, but also important to make a difference.” – TradeArabia News Service