SME Foundation calls for award applications

Technological innovation, sustainable manufacturing, and employment generation in the cottage, micro, small, and medium enterprise sector will be honored through the 'National SME Entrepreneur Award 2026' by SME Foundation. Eligible production and service-oriented entrepreneurs can submit their applications online until 31 August. The announcement was made in a press release on Thursday, 20 August 2026.

According to the foundation, an independent jury board will select winners through open evaluations, awarding cash prizes, crests, and certificates at the National SME Product Fair opening in November. Awards cover eight distinct categories: Micro, Small, and Medium Entrepreneurs of the Year (separate for male and female), Startup of the Year, and Green SME Business.

Eligibility guidelines restrict entries strictly to manufacturing and service enterprises owned by Bangladeshi citizens under the National Industrial Policy 2022 framework, excluding trading, import, cottage, and large-scale industries. Except for startups, applicants must demonstrate at least five years of licensed operational history. Loan and tax defaulters are disqualified, while eco-friendly, export-driven, innovative, and labor-intensive initiatives will receive priority evaluation.

Applications can be submitted directly through the SME Foundation portal, email, or postal delivery along with mandatory documentation, including TIN, VAT, trade license, and three-year financial audit reports for small and medium ventures. The SME Foundation has awarded 63 entrepreneurs to date, comprising 35 women, 27 men, and one transgender entrepreneur.
//DBTech/AME/SME//