The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Citi Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Citigroup, for the fourth consecutive time yesterday launched the Citi Micro-entrepreneurship Awards (CMA) programme in Bangladesh to recognise and honour leadership, entrepreneurial skills and best practices of individual micro-entrepreneurs.

The goal of this award includes promotion of micro- enterprises, increasing awareness of their financial service needs and recognising success stories of entrepreneurs.

The programme was announced at a press conference held at Press Club. Noted economist Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud presided over the function where all important partners and stakeholders were present.

This year the awards will be given in four categories - 'Best innovative micro business of the year', 'Best woman micro- entrepreneur of the year', 'Best micro-entrepreneur of the year' and 'Best micro-finance institution (MFI) of the year'.

Each winner will get Taka 3,50,000. The deadline for submitting nominations for the CMA is August 15 and the final award presentation ceremony will be held in October.

The CMA is being supported by the Citi Foundation and managed by the Citibank, N.A. Bangladesh while the Shakti Foundation for Disadvantaged Women (SFDW) is the local partner. The grant from the Citi Foundation will be used to implement the award programme as well as the prize money. The Daily Star, The Daily Prothom Alo and Channel i have joined this programme as partner organisations.

The Advisory Council formed for the awards includes former advisers of the caretaker government Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, Dr Akbar Ali Khan, Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury and Rokia A. Rahman; Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Governor of Bangladesh Bank; Dr. Mohammad Tareque, Secretary of the Finance Division, Ministry of Finance.