Latest news with #ETMSMEAwards2025
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
ET MSME Awards 2025: India's small business Olympics gets 22 gold medal categories
In a bustling industrial estate in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, a sole proprietor runs a textile manufacturing unit with just 15 employees. Three states away, in Pune, Maharashtra, a tech startup is revolutionising supply chain management for local retailers. Meanwhile, in Idukki, Kerala, a family-run spice export business is bringing the flavors of India to tables across Southeast Asia. What connects these diverse entrepreneurs? They're all part of India's nearly 66 million -strong MSME sector, the country's economic backbone that contributes over 45% to exports, 30% to GDP, and employs over 250 million people. And now, they all have a chance to be recognised on the nation's most prestigious platform for small and medium enterprises. The ET MSME Awards 2025, organised by returns for another edition of what has become India's largest celebration of entrepreneurial excellence in the MSME sector. This prestigious event features 22 categories across manufacturing, services, and trade, recognising not just trailblazing entrepreneurs and companies, but also early-stage startups and large enterprise enablers of the MSME ecosystem. Here they are: Overall Industry Awards (one each for Automobile & OEM, Pharma & Healthcare, Electrical & Electronics, and Clothing & Apparel) Indian MSME of the Year (one each for service, manufacturing, and trade sectors) Top Exporter of the Year Award (one each for service, manufacturing, and trade sectors) Top-performing Listed SME Indian MSME Women Entrepreneur of the Year (one each for micro, small, and medium enterprises) Indian MSME Enabler Award (one each for Tech & Innovation and Banking & Financing) India's Top Innovative MSME of the Year (one each for micro, small, and medium enterprises) India's Fastest-growing MSME (one each for micro, small, and medium enterprises) Nominate yourself for one or more categories NOW Beyond the numbers: stories that matter Live Events The ET MSME Awards are unrivalled in both scale and scope. The 22 categories represent the full spectrum of India's entrepreneurial landscape and acknowledge that excellence comes in many forms. A small-scale manufacturer in Rajkot who has perfected a cost-effective production process deserves recognition alongside a Bengaluru-based fintech startup that's democratising credit access for rural entrepreneurs. A family-run export business that's been quietly building international partnerships for decades stands shoulder-to-shoulder with a young social enterprise that's solving community problems through innovative business models. The democratic platform of excellence What makes these awards significant is their democratic nature. Indian enterprises that adhere to the definition of MSME as classified by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises are eligible to apply. This means that whether you're a micro enterprise with an investment of under Rs 1 crore or a medium enterprise with up to Rs 50 crore in plant and machinery, you have an equal shot at recognition. The categories span the entire business ecosystem. Manufacturing companies that have innovated in production processes compete for honours alongside service providers who have redefined customer experience. Trading businesses that have built robust distribution networks are recognised alongside tech companies that are creating entirely new markets. The ripple effect of recognition For many MSME owners, recognition at this level isn't merely about the trophy or certificate, but about validation. It's about being seen in a business environment where small companies often feel invisible next to their larger counterparts. 'This honour is the outcome of 25 years of hard work and dedication. It's an exhilarating feeling. We are motivated to aim for sustained success and excellence in the future,' says Namrata Modi , Executive Director, Prevest DenPro Limited. Prevest DenPro won the 'Indian MSME Women Entrepreneur - Small' category at the 2024 edition of the ET MSME Awards. Arun Agarwal, Founder and CEO of medtech startup Janitri Innovations Private Limited , echoes Modi's sentiment. Janitri won the 'Top Innovative MSME of the Year Award - Micro' at the 2024 Awards. 'Being recognised as the top innovator in our category validates our sustained efforts to develop indigenous medical devices,' he says. 'Such support is crucial for MSMEs.' The awards also serve as a powerful networking platform. Winners and nominees often find themselves connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs, potential partners, and even investors who are specifically looking for promising smaller companies to support. India's biggest MSME Awards are calling. Nominate your business now The innovation imperative One of the most compelling aspects of the ET MSME Awards is how they highlight innovation at every level. This isn't just about tech companies developing new software or apps; it's about a traditional leather goods manufacturer in Kanpur who has developed an eco-friendly tanning process, or a food processing company in Himachal Pradesh that has created a unique preservation technique for organic produce. Innovation in the MSME sector often happens out of necessity. Resource constraints force entrepreneurs to think creatively, to find ways to do more with less. The awards celebrate this uniquely Indian ability to create effective solutions through improvisation and ingenuity. Building tomorrow's business juggernauts The recognition extends beyond established businesses to early-stage companies, acknowledging that today's startups are tomorrow's large enterprises. This forward-looking approach ensures that the awards remain relevant to India's evolving business landscape. The categories within the 22 award segments recognise that entrepreneurship is not just about scaling existing business models, but about creating entirely new ones. They celebrate ventures that solve uniquely Indian problems, whether it's developing affordable healthcare solutions for rural areas or creating sustainable alternatives to traditional manufacturing processes. The enabler economy Perhaps most importantly, the awards recognise that MSMEs don't operate in isolation. They're part of an ecosystem that includes larger enterprises, financial institutions, technology providers, and government bodies. The large enterprise enabler categories acknowledge companies that have made significant contributions to supporting and nurturing the MSME sector. This recognition of the support system is crucial because it encourages more established companies to invest in MSME development. When large corporations see that their MSME support initiatives can earn them recognition, they're more likely to expand these programmes. A platform for aspirations As India moves toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, the role of MSMEs becomes even more critical. They're not just contributors to this growth, but the engines that will drive it. The ET MSME Awards serve as both a celebration of current achievements and a platform for future aspirations. For every winner, there are dozens of nominees who benefit from the process of application itself. The exercise of documenting their achievements, articulating their vision, and presenting their business story often helps entrepreneurs see their own companies with fresh eyes and renewed confidence. The human stories behind the statistics While the numbers are impressive—millions of MSMEs, hundreds of crores in revenue, countless jobs created—the real story of the ET MSME Awards is human. It's about recognition, aspiration, and the belief that in India, if you have a good idea and the determination to pursue it, you can build something meaningful. It's about the textile manufacturer in Coimbatore who started with a single loom and now exports to three countries. It's about the tech entrepreneur in Pune who left a cushy corporate job to solve a problem he was passionate about. It's about the spice exporter in Kerala who is carrying forward a family tradition while embracing modern business practices. The ET MSME Awards 2025 offer thousands like them a chance to step into the spotlight and be lauded for what they truly are: the unsung heroes of India's economic success story. In a country where big business often dominates the headlines, the ET MSME Awards ensure that small businesses get their moment to shine. And in that moment, they inspire countless others to dream, to start, and to grow. Because in the end, that's what makes an economy truly strong: not just the giants, but the multitude of smaller companies that form its foundation. Register for the ET Awards 2025 before August 31, 2025
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
ET MSME Awards 2025: India's small business Olympics gets 22 gold medal categories
In a bustling industrial estate in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, a sole proprietor runs a textile manufacturing unit with just 15 employees. Three states away, in Pune, Maharashtra, a tech startup is revolutionising supply chain management for local retailers. Meanwhile, in Idukki, Kerala, a family-run spice export business is bringing the flavors of India to tables across Southeast Asia. What connects these diverse entrepreneurs? They're all part of India's nearly 66 million-strong MSME sector, the country's economic backbone that contributes over 45% to exports, 30% to GDP, and employs over 250 million people. And now, they all have a chance to be recognised on the nation's most prestigious platform for small and medium enterprises. The ET MSME Awards 2025, organised by returns for another edition of what has become India's largest celebration of entrepreneurial excellence in the MSME sector. This prestigious event features 22 categories across manufacturing, services, and trade, recognising not just trailblazing entrepreneurs and companies, but also early-stage startups and large enterprise enablers of the MSME ecosystem. Here they are: Overall Industry Awards (one each for Automobile & OEM, Pharma & Healthcare, Electrical & Electronics, and Clothing & Apparel) Indian MSME of the Year (one each for service, manufacturing, and trade sectors) Top Exporter of the Year Award (one each for service, manufacturing, and trade sectors) Top-performing Listed SME Indian MSME Women Entrepreneur of the Year (one each for micro, small, and medium enterprises) Indian MSME Enabler Award (one each for Tech & Innovation and Banking & Financing) India's Top Innovative MSME of the Year (one each for micro, small, and medium enterprises) India's Fastest-growing MSME (one each for micro, small, and medium enterprises) Nominate yourself for one or more categories NOWBeyond the numbers: stories that matter The ET MSME Awards are unrivalled in both scale and scope. The 22 categories represent the full spectrum of India's entrepreneurial landscape and acknowledge that excellence comes in many forms. A small-scale manufacturer in Rajkot who has perfected a cost-effective production process deserves recognition alongside a Bengaluru-based fintech startup that's democratising credit access for rural entrepreneurs. A family-run export business that's been quietly building international partnerships for decades stands shoulder-to-shoulder with a young social enterprise that's solving community problems through innovative business models. The democratic platform of excellence What makes these awards significant is their democratic nature. Indian enterprises that adhere to the definition of MSME as classified by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises are eligible to apply. This means that whether you're a micro enterprise with an investment of under Rs 1 crore or a medium enterprise with up to Rs 50 crore in plant and machinery, you have an equal shot at categories span the entire business ecosystem. Manufacturing companies that have innovated in production processes compete for honours alongside service providers who have redefined customer experience. Trading businesses that have built robust distribution networks are recognised alongside tech companies that are creating entirely new markets. The ripple effect of recognition For many MSME owners, recognition at this level isn't merely about the trophy or certificate, but about validation. It's about being seen in a business environment where small companies often feel invisible next to their larger counterparts. 'This honour is the outcome of 25 years of hard work and dedication. It's an exhilarating feeling. We are motivated to aim for sustained success and excellence in the future,' says Namrata Modi, Executive Director, Prevest DenPro Limited. Prevest DenPro won the 'Indian MSME Women Entrepreneur - Small' category at the 2024 edition of the ET MSME Awards. Arun Agarwal, Founder and CEO of medtech startup Janitri Innovations Private Limited, echoes Modi's sentiment. Janitri won the 'Top Innovative MSME of the Year Award - Micro' at the 2024 Awards. 'Being recognised as the top innovator in our category validates our sustained efforts to develop indigenous medical devices,' he says. 'Such support is crucial for MSMEs.'The awards also serve as a powerful networking platform. Winners and nominees often find themselves connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs, potential partners, and even investors who are specifically looking for promising smaller companies to support. India's biggest MSME Awards are calling. Nominate your business now The innovation imperative One of the most compelling aspects of the ET MSME Awards is how they highlight innovation at every level. This isn't just about tech companies developing new software or apps; it's about a traditional leather goods manufacturer in Kanpur who has developed an eco-friendly tanning process, or a food processing company in Himachal Pradesh that has created a unique preservation technique for organic produce. Innovation in the MSME sector often happens out of necessity. Resource constraints force entrepreneurs to think creatively, to find ways to do more with less. The awards celebrate this uniquely Indian ability to create effective solutions through improvisation and ingenuity. Building tomorrow's business juggernauts The recognition extends beyond established businesses to early-stage companies, acknowledging that today's startups are tomorrow's large enterprises. This forward-looking approach ensures that the awards remain relevant to India's evolving business categories within the 22 award segments recognise that entrepreneurship is not just about scaling existing business models, but about creating entirely new ones. They celebrate ventures that solve uniquely Indian problems, whether it's developing affordable healthcare solutions for rural areas or creating sustainable alternatives to traditional manufacturing processes. The enabler economy Perhaps most importantly, the awards recognise that MSMEs don't operate in isolation. They're part of an ecosystem that includes larger enterprises, financial institutions, technology providers, and government bodies. The large enterprise enabler categories acknowledge companies that have made significant contributions to supporting and nurturing the MSME recognition of the support system is crucial because it encourages more established companies to invest in MSME development. When large corporations see that their MSME support initiatives can earn them recognition, they're more likely to expand these programmes. A platform for aspirations As India moves toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, the role of MSMEs becomes even more critical. They're not just contributors to this growth, but the engines that will drive it. The ET MSME Awards serve as both a celebration of current achievements and a platform for future every winner, there are dozens of nominees who benefit from the process of application itself. The exercise of documenting their achievements, articulating their vision, and presenting their business story often helps entrepreneurs see their own companies with fresh eyes and renewed confidence. The human stories behind the statistics While the numbers are impressive—millions of MSMEs, hundreds of crores in revenue, countless jobs created—the real story of the ET MSME Awards is human. It's about recognition, aspiration, and the belief that in India, if you have a good idea and the determination to pursue it, you can build something meaningful. It's about the textile manufacturer in Coimbatore who started with a single loom and now exports to three countries. It's about the tech entrepreneur in Pune who left a cushy corporate job to solve a problem he was passionate about. It's about the spice exporter in Kerala who is carrying forward a family tradition while embracing modern business practices. The ET MSME Awards 2025 offer thousands like them a chance to step into the spotlight and be lauded for what they truly are: the unsung heroes of India's economic success story. In a country where big business often dominates the headlines, the ET MSME Awards ensure that small businesses get their moment to shine. And in that moment, they inspire countless others to dream, to start, and to grow. Because in the end, that's what makes an economy truly strong: not just the giants, but the multitude of smaller companies that form its foundation. Register for the ET Awards 2025 before August 31, 2025
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
From startup dreams to national recognition: ET MSME Awards 2025 nominations now open
Live Events Remember the moment when you first established your business? That leap of faith, the sleepless nights, and the conviction that you could build something meaningful?Now, it's time the country recognises what you've are open for the ET MSME Awards 2025 , the biggest initiative of its kind that celebrates the unsung heroes of India's stupendous growth story. This isn't just another awards platform with fancy speeches, photo ops, and sound bytes. It's the impetus for more leaps of be honest, many business awards are either popularity contests or pay-to-play schemes. You know the ones: fill a form, pay a fee, and get a trophy. In essence, everyone's a ET MSME Awards is not one of in its 6th edition, it has become the one award Indian MSMEs genuinely want to win. Not because it looks good on LinkedIn (though it does), but because it opens many an ET MSME Award is like getting a VIP pass to India's business community. You become part of a conversation that includes industry heavyweights, government officials, and successful entrepreneurs who matter in your space. Winners have met their next big customer at the post-Awards dinner, or had a brief conversation with a fellow winner that turned into a major partnership. Other businesses start reaching out because they want to work with "that award-winning company". Banks and financial institutions take notice, viewing ET MSME Awards winners as lower-risk borrowers with proven track records, which can translate into better credit terms and easier access to growth capital when you need it most. Employees walk taller because of the morale boost that comes with working for a recognised network effect is particularly strong among fellow winners. There's an unspoken bond among entrepreneurs who've made it to this level, and they genuinely help each other out. Whether it's sharing a customer lead that isn't right for their business, making an introduction to someone in their network, or just offering advice during tough times, this community is a resource that keeps giving. It's the kind of network you can't buy or build overnight. And once you're in, you realise why winning is about so much more than just like having a business development team working for you, except that the team in question is India's most trusted business thing that makes the ET MSME Awards 2025 different is that it scrutinises your business the way a smart investor would. Not just your balance sheet, but your growth story, innovation, sustainability efforts, how you've adapted, and how you've made a difference. The evaluation is comprehensive because business success isn't one-dimensional. You're not just a number on a spreadsheet; you're an entrepreneur with a story worth with 22 categories this year, there's room for everyone. Whether you're manufacturing textiles in Tirupur, running a green transition consultancy in Indore, or creating innovative products in rural Odisha, there's a category that gets what you jury members evaluating applications are esteemed entrepreneurs and industry veterans who've been in your shoes, understand your challenges, and who know what real success looks like. They get it when you talk about pivoting during tough times, scaling with limited resources, or competing with bigger players. They understand that MSME success isn't just about the numbers, but about the journey, innovation, and impact on communities and an MSME isn't easy. You've probably faced cash flow crunches, difficult customers, regulatory headaches, and other challenges big corporations don't deal with. You've survived and thrived despite it resilience deserves more than a pat on the nomination deadline for the 6th edition of the ET MSME Awards is August 31, 2025. That might seem like plenty of time, but if you're like most entrepreneurs, you'll blink and it'll be August 30. Don't let that happen!The ET MSME Awards 2025 isn't just about celebrating what you've already done. It's about amplifying what you will do next. It's about putting you on a stage where the right people will notice. And it's about giving you the recognition that will unlock the next phase of business has a story. Your innovation has value. Your success matters. The question is: are you ready to tell that story to the people who need to hear it?
Economic Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
ET MSME Awards 2025: Honouring India's trailblazing MSMEs—Nominate now
Synopsis The ET MSME Awards return for its sixth edition in 2025 to recognise and celebrate India's most outstanding MSMEs and entrepreneurs. Register now. ET Online The ET MSME Awards programme is a testament to the Economic Times' commitment to promoting and supporting India's MSME sector. The micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector has always been vital to India's economy, standing thick and resilient even in times of turmoil. With the ET MSME Awards, the aims to recognise and celebrate the enduring strength and contribution of these small businesses. After five successful editions, the coveted ET MSME Awards makes its return for a sixth time, continuing its efforts to scout and honour India's most outstanding MSMEs. Register here for ET MSME Awards 2025 The ET MSME Awards programme is a testament to the Economic Times' commitment to promoting and supporting India's MSME sector. Registration for the ET MSME Awards 2025 has begun, and the last date to register is August 31, 2025. The last five editions of the programme have witnessed annual participation of more than 10,000 MSMEs across various sectors, including manufacturing, services, electronics, textiles, technology, and sustainability. MSMEs are the lifeblood of India's economy, contributing significantly to the country's GDP, employment, and exports. Despite their immense potential, MSMEs often face numerous challenges—from limited access to finance to regulatory hurdles. The ET MSME Awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate the resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of these unsung heroes. The ET MSME Awards will recognise outstanding MSMEs across 22 different categories, including Top MSME Exporter, Indian Women MSME Entrepreneurs of the Year, and Top Indian MSME Enablers, among others. The awards will not only provide a platform for these enterprises to showcase their achievements but also inspire others to follow in their nomination and selection process for the ET MSME Awards will be rigorous and transparent. A panel of esteemed judges will evaluate nominations based on criteria such as innovation, financial performance, market impact, etc. The winners of the ET MSME Awards will be felicitated at a grand ceremony, which will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. The event will provide a platform for MSMEs to network, share best practices, and learn from each other's ET MSME Awards 2025 is conducted by with IDBI Bank as its Banking and Lending Partner. Register here for ET MSME Awards 2025
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
ET MSME Awards 2025: Honouring India's trailblazing MSMEs—Nominate now
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Popular in Rise 1. Lending with empathy: Automation to Augmented Intelligence The micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector has always been vital to India's economy, standing thick and resilient even in times of turmoil. With the ET MSME Awards, the aims to recognise and celebrate the enduring strength and contribution of these small businesses. After five successful editions, the coveted ET MSME Awards makes its return for a sixth time, continuing its efforts to scout and honour India's most outstanding ET MSME Awards programme is a testament to the Economic Times' commitment to promoting and supporting India's MSME sector. Registration for the ET MSME Awards 2025 has begun, and the last date to register is August 31, last five editions of the programme have witnessed annual participation of more than 10,000 MSMEs across various sectors, including manufacturing, services, electronics, textiles, technology, and are the lifeblood of India's economy, contributing significantly to the country's GDP, employment, and exports. Despite their immense potential, MSMEs often face numerous challenges—from limited access to finance to regulatory hurdles. The ET MSME Awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate the resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of these unsung ET MSME Awards will recognise outstanding MSMEs across 22 different categories, including Top MSME Exporter, Indian Women MSME Entrepreneurs of the Year, and Top Indian MSME Enablers, among others. The awards will not only provide a platform for these enterprises to showcase their achievements but also inspire others to follow in their nomination and selection process for the ET MSME Awards will be rigorous and transparent. A panel of esteemed judges will evaluate nominations based on criteria such as innovation, financial performance, market impact, winners of the ET MSME Awards will be felicitated at a grand ceremony, which will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. The event will provide a platform for MSMEs to network, share best practices, and learn from each other's ET MSME Awards 2025 is conducted by with IDBI Bank as its Banking and Lending Partner.
