Partners
Meet the Judges
The judges are experts in their respective fields and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the MSMEs Industry, Entrepreneurship, Women and Youth Economic Empowerment. Their insights and expertise will be invaluable in evaluating the nominations and applications we receive, and in identifying the most deserving small businesses.
Salome Ayugi
Kenya Country Manager, Sinapis Group
Kyesubire Greigg
Global President, SME Founders Association
Edgar Andagalu
CEO, Viffa Consult
Eunice Kimani
Head, Entrepreneurial Programmes - Strathmore University Business School
Harrison Ngatia
Head of SME Development, KEPSA
Veronica Gakio
Board Member and Treasurer, The African Women's Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) Kenya chapter
Founder, Ankole Luxury
Beryle Okwach
Growth and Partnership Lead, ImpactHER
Elizabeth Odima
Business Analyst, KCIC
Robert Mwalugha
Co-founder and CEO, Pickup Mtaani
Maureen Amakabane
Founder, Nyayo Mums Sokos
Rachel Ndungu
CEO, Biashara Africa
Alii Bakari
Business Coach, Somo Africa
Cynthia Mbari
Relationship Manager, WYLDE International
Benefits to Participants:
1. Gain recognition & exposure.
2. Get opportunities to pitch your business in various forums.
3. Join our Community of Small Businesses and get networking opportunities.
Small Business Awards categories
Recognizes a Woman or Youth Owned small business that has demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, resilience and impact.
Recognizes a Woman or Group of Women Owned Small Business that has demonstrated a track record of growth, innovation, and resilience.
Recognizes a Youth or Group of Youth Owned Small Business that has demonstrated a track record of growth, innovation, and resilience.
Recognizes an outstanding entrepreneur who has started and successfully run a small business at a young age. This award aims to inspire and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of young people, and to recognize their achievements in business despite their age.
Recognizes a Woman or Youth Owned small business that has demonstrated exceptional growth in revenue, customer base, and market share.
Recognizes a Woman or Youth Owned small business that has demonstrated success in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by exporting products to countries within the AfCFTA. Note: the objective of the AfCFTA is to significantly boost intra-Africa trade, particularly trade in value-added production and trade across all sectors of Africa’s economy.
Recognizes a Woman or Youth Owned small business that has implemented sustainable practices and has demonstrated a commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
Recognizes an organization that has shown commitment in supporting Small Businesses owned by People Living with Disability, Widows, Victims of Gender-Based Violence or other underrepresented groups.
Recognizes an organization that has shown commitment in supporting Small Businesses to make a positive impact in their local community, such as by creating jobs, supporting local causes, promoting economic development, addressing social or environmental issues.
Recognizes a county that has demonstrated exceptional support to Small Businesses by promoting economic growth, providing opportunities, and improving the business environment.
Recognizes a bank that has demonstrated exceptional support to small businesses. This award acknowledges a bank that has provided innovative products and services, excellent customer service, and has helped small businesses grow and thrive.
Recognizes a provider that has demonstrated exceptional support to small businesses by providing innovative Logistics services, and excellent customer service.
Recognizes a payment provider that has excelled in serving the needs of small businesses by providing innovative payment services, and excellent customer service.
Recognizes a Marketing & Branding Services Provider that has excelled in serving the needs of small businesses by offering a range of services to help them improve their branding and marketing efforts.
Recognizes an individual, organization, or entity for their exceptional support and advocacy for small businesses. Small businesses are critical to the economy, and those who go above and beyond to provide resources, mentorship, funding, and other support to help small businesses succeed deserve recognition.
Is a recognition given to a media house that has demonstrated exceptional coverage and support for small businesses. Small businesses play a critical role in the economy, and those who provide insightful and informative coverage of the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses deserve recognition. The purpose of the award is to highlight the importance of small businesses and the role that media can play in promoting their success.
TIMELINES
Call for submissions: 17th March, 2023
Submission deadline: 30th June, 2023
Finalists notified: 31st August, 2023
Winners announced: 29th September, 2023
Submission deadline: 30th June 2023.