Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Everything You Need to Know About the National Entrepreneurship Honors
About the Awards
1. What is the National Entrepreneurship Honors (NEH)?
NEH is a national recognition platform honoring Nigerian entrepreneurs, founders, and businesses across all sectors for excellence, innovation, and impact.
2. Who organizes the NEH Awards?
The awards are convened by a consortium of Nigerian business leaders, innovation hubs, and enterprise advocates committed to spotlighting real entrepreneurial achievement.
3. What makes NEH different from other business awards?
NEH focuses on substance over noise. It honors long-term impact, business resilience, and relevance, whether you’re a startup, MSME, or legacy institution.
4. Is NEH only for startups?
No. The awards are open to all business stages—from early-stage startups to established enterprises and nonprofits.
5. Is NEH a government initiative?
No. NEH is an independent, industry-driven platform with support from private sector experts and enterprise partners.
Eligibility & Entry
6. Who can enter the awards?
Entrepreneurs, founders, SMEs, large companies, nonprofit ventures, and teams can all submit entries.
7. Can I nominate myself or my own business?
Yes. Self-nominations are encouraged.
8. Do I have to be Nigerian to enter?
For individuals, yes. For businesses, at least 50% ownership or operational control must be Nigerian.
9. Can I submit on behalf of a client or team?
Yes. You may submit on behalf of clients, internal teams, or partners, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
10. Is there a minimum number of years a business must have operated?
Startups must have at least 1 year of activity. Other businesses should have verifiable operations from January 2023 onward.
Submission Requirements
11. What do I need to submit an entry?
Each entry must include: a completed form, written entry (max 1000 words), supporting documents, logo/headshot, and payment confirmation.
12. Can I use my own format for the write-up?
You must follow the official template for the written entry. Entries outside the format will be disqualified.
13. Can I update or edit my entry after submission?
No. Once submitted, entries are final.
14. What kind of supporting documents can I attach?
Media features, reports, pitch decks, screenshots, testimonials, data reports, or campaign visuals.
15. Are entries judged based on writing style or results?
Results and substance matter more than writing flair. Judges assess strategy, execution, and measurable outcomes.
Judging & Evaluation
16. Who judges the awards?
An independent panel of respected entrepreneurs, investors, business consultants, academics, and sector experts.
17. Are entries judged blindly?
Yes. Judges evaluate based on content and evidence, without personal bias.
18. What are the judging criteria?
Entries are scored on:
- Impact
- Innovation
- Sustainability
- Scalability
- Purpose
19. How are finalists selected?
Shortlisted entries are chosen based on score thresholds and panel consensus.
20. Will I be notified if I’m shortlisted?
Yes. All finalists will receive formal communication before the public announcement.
Winners & Recognition
21. What do winners receive?
Winners receive a trophy (category winners), digital badge, certificate, marketing assets, press coverage, and a winner profile page.
22. Is there a public ceremony?
Yes. A physical award ceremony will take place in Lagos, Nigeria.
23. Will all winners be featured online?
Yes. Every winner and honoree will be listed on the official NEH site for five years.
24. Can I order extra trophies or certificates?
Yes. Extra trophies and framed certificates can be purchased upon request.
25. What if I don’t win? Will I still get feedback?
Due to volume, individual feedback is not guaranteed, but all entries receive confirmation of status (Winner, Honoree, or Not Selected).