The Federal Government has opened applications for the 2026 Eighth Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Awards, where 100 outstanding small businesses will share over N1 billion in grants to drive growth, innovation, and job creation across key sectors of the economy.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship nationwide and support small businesses as critical drivers of economic expansion. By shifting focus towards direct financial support, the government aims to empower businesses with the capital needed to scale operations and create sustainable impact.
Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitope Adekunle Johnson, announced the development at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, outlining key timelines and expectations for the programme.
According to him, applications will run from April 7 to May 7, while the grand finale is scheduled for June 27, aligning with the global celebration of World MSME Day. He noted that this year’s edition marks a significant shift in reward structure compared to previous editions.
“While past editions saw winners receive houses, cars, shops and other prizes, most beneficiaries this year will be awarded substantial grants to help boost their businesses,” Johnson said.
He further explained that the decision to prioritise grants reflects a deliberate strategy to ensure that winners can directly reinvest in their enterprises and achieve measurable growth.
“The President wants MSMEs that win these cash prizes to be able to say in the future that their businesses expanded because they got these grants from some of our partners. This is the year that they get that cash injection, which is not a loan in any way,” he added.
The competition will feature 12 categories spanning major sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, Information and Communication Technology, creative industries, and services. From each category, the top three finalists will be selected and invited to Abuja for the final stage of the competition.
Johnson described the 2026 edition as the “Renewed Hope Edition,” noting that it is designed to reflect broader national priorities around economic diversification and inclusive growth. He said the awards will recognise businesses that have demonstrated innovation, resilience, and tangible impact within their communities.
Beyond financial rewards, the programme is also structured to offer long-term value to participants. Winners are expected to gain increased visibility, access to new markets, and connections to mentorship and support networks that can further accelerate their growth.
“The initiative is tailored to identify and reward enterprises that have demonstrated innovation, resilience, and measurable impact within their communities,” he said, emphasising that recognition alone can open doors for expansion and partnerships.
He also assured prospective applicants of a transparent and merit-based selection process, stating that independent assessors would be engaged to maintain credibility and fairness throughout the competition.
The awards continue to receive backing from key government agencies and institutional partners, including the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, and the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Representatives of the supporting organisations reiterated their commitment to strengthening the MSME ecosystem through regulatory support, capacity building, and access to opportunities. They encouraged entrepreneurs across the country to leverage the platform to showcase their innovations and expand their reach.
A representative of NAFDAC, Sarah Ajayi, highlighted the importance of quality and innovation in submissions, noting that “entries that demonstrate value addition, strong local content, and innovation stand a higher chance of progressing in the competition.”
