The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) is excited to launch the inaugural Annual SME Enablers Awards 2023. These awards aim to recognize the exceptional efforts and contributions of individuals and organizations that have played a significant role in enabling the growth and success of SMEs.

Award Categories

SME Enabler of the year:

Recognizes institutions that have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to support growth of the overall development and success of SMEs in all areas.

Inclusion and Diversity SME Enabler of the year:

Recognizes organizations that have shown exceptional dedication to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities for underrepresented groups running enterprises owned/led by young people, women and people with disabilities(PWD).

Why Participate?

1. Showcase Achievements and Boost Credibility: These awards provide a unique opportunity to highlight your SME's accomplishments, gaining industry recognition and enhancing your brand's credibility.
2. Networking Opportunities: Participation fosters connections with industry leaders, potential clients, and valuable partners, opening doors to collaboration and growth.
3. Employee Morale and Talent Attraction: Winning or being recognized boosts employee morale, instils pride within your organization, and attracts top talent seeking socially responsible and high-achieving companies.
4. Learning and Excellence: Engaging in these awards allows you to learn from peers, gain insights into best practices, and demonstrate dedication to excellence, innovation, and social responsibility, resonating with customers, investors, and the community.
5. Inclusion and Diversity: Participation in the Inclusion and Diversity SME Enabler of the Year award showcases your commitment to equality, attracting like-minded partners and talent.
6. Reputation Enhancement: Participation demonstrates remarkable growth, impact, and resilience in your industry, enhancing your reputation and inspiring continuous improvement in your business practices.

Eligibility Criteria

SME Enabler of the Year

• The organization must be a legally registered entity.
• The organization or institution must have actively supported and enabled SMEs in Kenya in the last 3 years.
• The organization should have a positive social impact, contributing to the well-being of the community or society in some meaningful way.
• The organization or institution must be operating in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Institutions supporting enterprises in marginalised areas will have an added advantage 

Inclusion and Diversity SME Enabler of the Year

• The organization must be a legally registered entity.
• The organization or institution must have actively supported and enabled SMEs in Kenya in the last 3 years.
• The organization should have demonstrated a commitment to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities for enterprises owned/led by Young people, Women, and  People with Disabilities (PWD).
• The organization or institution must be operating in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Institution supporting enterprises owned by Young people, Women and PWD from marginalised areas will have an added advantage 

What are we looking for?

Applicants for these awards will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

For the SME Enabler of the Year category, additional factors include:

• The extent and quality of services and resources offered to SMEs, encompassing aspects like access to finance, training, mentorship, and market access.
• The effectiveness and overall impact of the enabler's programs on facilitating the growth and success of SMEs.
• Tangible success stories and outcomes of SMEs that have benefited from the enabler's support.
• The quality and reliability of the evidence and supporting documentation presented.

For the Inclusion and Diversity SME Enabler of the Year, category, the criteria encompass:

• Evaluation of the scope and quality of services and resources provided to SMEs, including access to finance, training, mentorship, and market opportunities.
• A clear commitment to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities for Women-led/owned SMEs, Youth-led/owned SMEs, and SMEs led/owned by People with Disabilities.
• Assessment of the effectiveness and impact of diversity and inclusion programs on the growth and success of SMEs.
• Evaluation of the evidence and supporting documentation provided, verifying the enabler's efforts in fostering inclusivity and diversity.

In all cases, the quality and credibility of the evidence and documentation provided will be a crucial factor in the evaluation process.

Important Dates

Deadline for submissions: October  31, 2023

Announcement of Winners – TBA

Nomination Procedure

Participation in the Annual SME Enablers Award is free of charge. To nominate an organization, please fill out the form provided https://bit.ly/3RTtBwM

In case of any queries, kindly get in touch with Eunice Ayany  kepsasme@kepsa.or.ke or call +254 794 968 559