Bridging Markets, Empowering Growth: Celebrating Champions of SME Market Access

The Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) Enablers Awards seeks to recognize and celebrate organizations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to supporting the growth, development, and success of SMEs across various sectors. This second edition seeks to recognize organizations bridging markets and empowering the growth for SMEs in Kenya. Spearheaded by KEPSA, the apex body for Kenya’s private sector, these prestigious awards reinforce KEPSA’s unwavering commitment to fostering an enabling environment where innovation, capacity building, and market access converge to create sustainable success for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

A Vision for Inclusive Growth

Under the theme “Bridging Markets, Empowering Growth: Celebrating Champions of SME Market Access,” the awards recognize individuals, organizations, and initiatives that have gone above and beyond to support SMEs in accessing new markets, overcoming financial barriers, and building long-term resilience. With KEPSA’s vast network—including local and foreign business associations, chambers of commerce, and professional bodies—collaboration remains central in ensuring SMEs thrive within Kenya and beyond.

A Key Highlight of the KEPSA SME Conference, Exhibition, and Awards

The Enabler Awards are a core part of the Annual KEPSA SME Conference, Exhibition, and Awards, set to take place on 26th and 27th June 2025, at Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development. As one of the most anticipated business gatherings of the year, the conference will bring together different stakeholders from policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to shape the future of Kenya’s SME sector.

The conference provides the perfect platform to announce and celebrate the winners of the Enabler Awards, amplifying their impact and giving them the well-deserved recognition they need to scale their initiatives even further. Unlike the Innovation Challenge Excellence Awards, which include a post-event workshop, the Enabler Award winners will benefit from a powerful post-event marketing campaign that highlights their contributions and positions them as industry leaders in SME empowerment.

Celebrating Past Success and Inspiring the Future

Launched during the first edition of the KEPSA SME Conference, Exhibition, and Awards which took place on the 23rd of August 2024, the SME Enabler Awards have already proven their significance. Last year’s winners Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC) and Light for the World set a high standard for excellence, demonstrating how impactful market enablers can drive real, measurable change.

The 2nd Edition builds upon this success, reinforcing the importance of inclusive, sustainable, and scalable solutions for SMEs.

Award Categories and Impact Metrics

The Small and Medium-Sized Enablers Awards feature three distinguished categories:

• Overall Market Access Enabler Champion: Recognizing those who unlock new opportunities for SMEs to expand locally, regionally, and globally.
• Digital Market Enabler Champion: Celebrating innovators leveraging technology and digital platforms to transform market access and competitiveness.
• Inclusivity and Sustainability Market Access Champion: Honoring organizations that empower youth, women, and persons with disabilities, ensuring equitable participation in economic growth.

Winners in each category are evaluated based on tangible market access outcomes, capacity-building initiatives, and demonstrated impact. These rigorous criteria ensure that awardees are not only recognized for past achievements but are also incentivized to continue creating practical, scalable solutions that support SMEs.

The Selection Process

The Enabler Awards follow a transparent and meticulous selection process:

1. Pre-Event Phase: The awards begin with a call for nominations via KEPSA’s website, social media, and partner networks. A thorough application review follows to verify eligibility and impact.

2. Judging: A diverse panel of judges—comprising entrepreneurs, government officials, investors, and industry experts—carefully assesses the shortlisted candidates.

3. Winner Announcement at the KEPSA SME Conference: The final winners are unveiled during the KEPSA SME Conference, Exhibition, and Awards on June 26th and 27th 2025, where they gain exposure, networking opportunities, and industry-wide recognition.

4. Post-Event Marketing and Amplification: Winners benefit from KEPSA’s extensive marketing campaign, ensuring their work is showcased to potential partners, investors, and key industry stakeholders. Unlike the Innovation Challenge winners, who participate in a two-day workshop and enter the SME Market Connect Program, Enabler Award winners receive strategic promotional support to enhance their visibility and influence.

Why It Matters

The Small and Medium-Sized Enablers Awards are more than just a recognition ceremonythey are a catalyst for action. By spotlighting transformative market enablers, these awards inspire a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration within Kenya’s SME sector. Moreover, they align seamlessly with KEPSA’s broader mission of uniting the private sector to drive national progress and economic transformation.

As the Annual KEPSA SME Conference, Exhibition, and Awards approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a landmark event in Kenya’s SME ecosystem. By recognizing and rewarding excellence, KEPSA is fostering an entrepreneurial environment where SMEs thrive, paving the way for economic prosperity, job creation, and sustainable growth.

For more details and nomination submissions, visit: https://kepsa.or.ke/smeshub/sme-enabler-awards-2nd-edition 
For enquiries, contact: kepsasme@kepsa.or.ke