As part of Citi’s ongoing commitment to the field of microfinance, Citi Bangladesh, with the support of the Citi Foundation, launched the 15th Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA) program on Monday.
The launching ceremony was attended by the high-level Advisory Council and Screening committee, chaired by Rokia A. Rahman, managing director Arlinks Ltd. and former adviser to the caretaker government.
This year, the CMA program is being jointly organized by Shakti Foundation AND Citibank, N.A., Bangladesh along with the strategic partnership of Credit and Development Forum (CDF).
Since 2005, CMA seeks to highlight the achievements of the most innovative microentrepreneurs in Bangladesh. The goal is to raise awareness of microfinance, particularly among microentrepreneurs who could benefit from it; to recognize and celebrate the contributions that microentrepreneurs bring to the world economy; and to highlight best practices in microentrepreneurship.
These awards given for more than a decade have created great enthusiasm in the communities all over Bangladesh among microentrepreneurs and those aspiring to be entrepreneurs. The awards are also a testament that the country’s micro finance sector has flourished enabling micro credit borrowers through sustainable businesses to become micro entrepreneurs creating in their communities.
It is expected that the awards will be given next year after a thorough screening and vetting process. The awards include six categories, these are, best microentrepreneur, best women microentrepreneur, best youth microentrepreneur, best microentrepreneur of the year in agriculture, microfinance institution of the Year, innovative microfinance institution.
In addition, the first runner - up for the Best Microentrepreneur, Best Women Microentrepreneur, Best Microentrepreneur in Agriculture and Best Youth Microentrepreneur of the year, will receive Tk 150,000 while the second runner - up will receive Tk 100,000 as prize money. All winners will be also given a crest and certificate.
