CNBC-TV18, in collaboration with HSBC India, is set to host the grand finale of the HSBC Presents CNBC-TV18 SME Champion Awards, a premier event celebrating the exceptional achievements of India’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The awards ceremony will take place on July 26, 2024, starting at 5:30 PM at a prestigious venue in New Delhi.

This landmark event marks the culmination of a transformative six-month initiative aimed at recognizing and honoring the significant contributions of SMEs to India’s economic growth. The SME Champion Awards celebrate the resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of Indian businesses across over 15 categories, including Sustainability Practices, Digital Transformation, Export Promotion, Manufacturing, and Entrepreneurship.

The ceremony will be graced by the presence of several eminent personalities, including Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, who will serve as the guest of honor. Other notable attendees include Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, DPIIT; T. Koshy, CEO & MD, ONDC; Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India; and Ajay Sharma, MD & Head of Commercial Banking, HSBC India.

The awards are adjudicated by a distinguished jury comprising leading industry figures. The panel is headed by Rajnish Kumar, Former Chairperson of SBI, and includes Atul Lall, VC & MD of Dixon Technologies India Ltd; Preeti Bajaj, CEO & MD of Luminous Power Technologies; Shradha Suri, CMD of Subros Ltd; Dinesh Kanabar, CEO of Dhruva Advisors; Girish Luthra, President of FICCI-CMSME; Ashok Saigal, Co-Chairman of CII National MSME Council; Raghav Chandra, Ex-Secretary, GOI; Chandrakant Salunkhe, Founder & President of the SME Chamber of India; and Anju Srivastava, Founder of Wingreens World. The selection process for the awards involved a rigorous three-step screening procedure, with EY serving as the ‘Process Advisors.’

The evening will feature a captivating performance by legendary singer Usha Uthup, setting the stage for a series of impactful speeches. Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor of CNBC-TV18, will deliver the welcome address, followed by keynotes from Hitendra Dave and Ajay Sharma.

Over the past six months, CNBC-TV18 and HSBC India have engaged with the SME community through masterclasses and workshops. These sessions have been instrumental in equipping SMEs with critical knowledge and growth strategies. Topics covered included “Navigating SME Export-Import in a Global Landscape” and “Empowering SMEs for Sustainable Growth in Global Supply Chains.” The initiative also included interactive webinars that facilitated dialogue among industry experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.

Shereen Bhan remarked, “The SME Champion Awards are a testament to the remarkable contributions of Indian SMEs, recognizing their pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation across the nation. These enterprises are the backbone of our economy, creating employment opportunities and fostering economic resilience. By celebrating their achievements, we honor their hard work and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.”

Hitendra Dave added, “At HSBC, we believe SMEs and start-ups are the true growth engine of our country. Supporting them is about more than just financing; it’s about fostering innovation, creating jobs, and helping them meet their global aspirations. We are proud to celebrate the success of India’s SME champions and their crucial role in our nation’s growth story.”

The HSBC Presents CNBC-TV18 SME Champion Awards promises to be a spectacular celebration of India’s vibrant SME sector. Tune in to CNBC-TV18 on July 26, 2024, at 5:30pm to witness the power and magic of India’s SMEs.