The Maldives has held its first national awards programme for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), a landmark initiative designed to recognise and encourage the country’s entrepreneurial community. Organised by the Business Center Corporation under the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the programme encompassed 22 categories, with winners chosen through a combination of judging panel scores and public votes.
The ceremony at the Maldives Center for Social Education drew senior officials, including Economic Development Minister Mohamed Saeed and guest of honour, Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer. Minister Zameer presented the three highest honours, naming Nody’s Coffee as Micro MSME of the Year, Loop Craft Pvt. Ltd. as Small MSME of the Year, and Oevaali Art Shop as Medium MSME of the Year.
The judging panel also recognised Sinetech Pvt. Ltd. as Start-Up of the Year, Fahi Govaan as Green MSME of the Year, Encreare Pvt. Ltd. as Creative MSME of the Year, and Maya Nasih as Woman-Led MSME of the Year, alongside Pinet Works Pvt. Ltd., The Gift Basket Maldives, Javaabu Pvt. Ltd., and For the Soul by Himoo. Public voting honoured 11 businesses, including Detune Band, The Crystal Company, Meraki, Maldives Music and Arts Center, Lights Out, Mekra Mama, Legacy Fitness, Fatima, Tropical Designs, Thakethi, and Loop Crafts.
In total, 21 enterprises were recognised. Building on the success of the inaugural event, the BCC pledged to make the MSME Awards an annual fixture, reinforcing its commitment to valuing and encouraging the contributions of the nation’s small businesses.