07.12.2018
An organic beeswax alternative to single-use plastic, a thriving city centre village of enterprises created from upcycled shipping containers and a glamping site where people can relax in a Mongolian-style yurt are three of the “exceptional” finalists for the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards, funded by the Citi Foundation.
The twelve micro and social enterprises have been shortlisted for four separate Awards in categories recognising their growth, environmental sustainability, the social entrepreneur who has created significant social or environmental impact, and the Young Microentrepreneur of the Year.
A transformative prize of £7,500 will be awarded to the winner in each category.
The Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards are the annual celebration of Britain’s microentrepreneurs who have accessed “responsible” business finance. The awards, which launched in 2005, (and in 2013 in the UK) were established by the Citi Foundation to recognise best-in-class microentrepreneurs and the responsible finance sector.
For the first time ever, the awards are aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, celebrating those whose businesses are contributing to economic growth, social and environmental wellbeing.
Responsible finance providers – the leading financial institutions offering affordable finance to many small and microenterprises – have also been shortlisted for awards, covering their impact and their resilience.
The number of microenterprises continues to grow in Britain, with the UK’s 1.11m micro-businesses employing over 4m people – 17.6 per cent of the workforce.
A third of microenterprises access external sources of finance, and “the advice, mentoring, business support and skills development that responsible finance providers offer to their client businesses and social enterprises is just as important as the finance they provide,” according to Jennifer Tankard, Chief Executive of Responsible Finance.
“The Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards are a celebration of the enterprises and local businesses that are the backbone of our communities. Year upon year, we see the increasing value of microenterprises in the UK, from businesses that have created jobs for marginalised youth, to businesses providing low-cost services for charities, or developing innovative and sustainable food sources,” said Bob Annibale, Global Director, Citi Inclusive Finance and Community Development.
“The year’s awards align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals agenda and the shortlisted businesses and responsible finance providers all contribute to economic growth and the social and environmental vibrancy of their communities.”
The Winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on 13 March 2019 in Liverpool.
The Finalists in the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards are listed in alphabetical order for each category:
Growth Award finalists:
- Aquapac Ltd of Cumbernauld, Scotland, nominated by DSL Business Finance Ltd
- The Garden Shop of Colyton, Devon, nominated by Fredericks Foundation
- Hypermotive of Lutterworth, Leicestershire, nominated by Enterprise Loans East Midlands
Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award finalists:
- Mike Kitchen of Helston-based Rocket Gardens, nominated by SWIG Finance
- Tim Morfin of Transforming Lives for Good, nominated by Charity Bank
- Adam Robertson & Nina Falk of Kalopsia CIC, in Leith, Edinburgh, nominated by DSL Business Finance Ltd
Sustainability Award finalists:
- Bee Bee Wraps, nominated by Foundation East
- Country Bumpkin Yurts in Great Oxendon, nominated by Enterprise Loans East Midlands
- Glasgow Wood Recycling, nominated by DSL Business Finance Ltd
- Rocket Gardens, nominated by SWIG Finance
Young Entrepreneur Award finalists:
- Hannah & Fabio Vincenti of Hitchin-based Fabio’s Gelato, nominated by Foundation East
- Kieran Aitken of Orbit Education Ltd, based in Glasgow and operating in multiple locations, nominated by DSL Business Finance Ltd
- Tom McKenzie & Sam Leach, Spark: York, nominated by Business Enterprise Fund
Responsible Finance providers have been shortlisted in two Awards for their institutions and two for their staff. Finalists (in alphabetical order):
Impact Award finalists:
Resilience Award finalists:
(Awards will also be made to the Responsible Finance Leader of the Year and Outstanding Loan Officer).
The Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on 13 March 2019 in Liverpool.
For photos, interview requests and press enquiries please contact Jamie Veitch.