The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as the three-day Calabar Pop-Up Market 2026 provided a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products, connect with customers and expand their businesses.
The market, organised in partnership with the Cross River State Ministry of Commerce, brought together small-scale vendors, consumers and business enthusiasts for three days of commerce, networking and entertainment.
Declaring the market open, the Commissioner for Commerce, Hon. Dr. Mrs. Abigail Duke Orok, expressed delight at the impressive participation of vendors and encouraged the entrepreneurs to remain confident in their businesses despite starting small.
“Do not be scared of your small beginnings,” Orok told the participating business owners, assuring them that the state government remained committed to creating a supportive environment for MSMEs to grow.
The Commissioner said the government was prepared to assist local enterprises with financial interventions, including soft loans and grants, to enable them expand their operations and improve their capacity.
She said the support was part of the government’s efforts to ensure that small businesses receive the assistance required to become sustainable and contribute more to the state’s economy.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Capacity Building and Enterprise Development, Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA), Mrs. Enwongo-Abasi Okon, pledged the agency’s support to small businesses in Calabar.
Okon said MEDA would continue to provide guidance and capacity-building support to entrepreneurs, helping them strengthen their businesses and take advantage of available opportunities.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Calabar Pop-Up Market, Miss Tracy Adie, expressed appreciation to the Cross River State Government for supporting local vendors and recognising the importance of small businesses to the economy.
Adie assured consumers that businesses in Calabar were steadily improving the quality of their products and services, saying products from the city could compete favourably with international standards.
Throughout the three-day event, shoppers had access to a wide range of locally made products and services, while participating businesses gained exposure, attracted new customers and established contacts across different sectors.
The event ended with a grand shopping party featuring interactive games, food stalls and live music, providing a celebratory close to the market while highlighting the creativity and commercial energy of Calabar’s growing community of entrepreneurs.
By Obaseo Bassey
