The Federal Government has unveiled plans to reward innovative and resilient entrepreneurs who have excelled in their ventures with lucrative incentives.
Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, the Senior Special Assistant on Job Creation and MSMEs, revealed in a statement that these entrepreneurs will be presented with houses, cars, and cash prizes as part of the activities marking the 2024 MSMEs Week.
Adekunle-Johnson emphasized that this initiative is in line with the current administration’s commitment to promoting and rewarding the contributions of small-scale businesses.
The MSMEs award ceremony, scheduled to coincide with the 2024 United Nations World MSMEs Day, aims to celebrate and support outstanding small businesses across the nation.
The nomination process for the awards will begin on May 1 and conclude on May 30, with a user-friendly application portal available for interested MSMEs.
He said, “The Federal Government has made plans to rewards owners of small businesses as part of activities marking the world MSMEs day. This year, small scale businesses would be rewarded with Sport Utility Vehicles, houses and financial grants.
“The MSMEs award is an annual activity to honour outstanding indigenous MSMES, recognise their efforts as well as that of the States in contributing to the growth of small businesses in the country.
“We are coming up with huge prizes. Some of which we have announced today.
“The portal for MSMEs application, which has been designed to be language-friendly for the 2024 awards, will go live on May 1 and close on Sunday, May 30th.”
Adekunle-Johnson further explained that the MSMEs award ceremony, an annual event, aims to recognize the achievements of indigenous MSMEs and commend the efforts of state governments in fostering the growth of small businesses nationwide.
“This event serves as an official close to the National MSME Week, recognizing the efforts and innovation of MSMEs in Nigeria as well as efforts of the state governments in contributing to the growth of MSMEs in Nigeria,” he said.
So far, there have been five award ceremonies with over 40 verifiable winners.
Highlighting the selection criteria, the Special Assistant said that one of the requirements for MSMEs interested in participating in some of the categories is registration with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, the Corporate Affairs Commission, and the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration And Control.
“Vice-President Kashim Shettima is expected to attend the FCT MSMEs clinic at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, scheduled for June 25.
He stated that government had expanded national MSMEs clinics with focus on providing a platform for them.
“This will enable them to exhibit businesses, gain access to on-site investments as well as develop the five core areas of MSMEs which include funding, skill development. Infrastructure, access to markets and technology,‘ he concluded.