The ET MSME Awards 2025 closed with strong industry and global participation, celebrating excellence across India's micro, small, and medium enterprises. The event recognised winners across 20 categories, showcasing the sector’s resilience and innovation in a complex global landscape. This matters as MSMEs contribute over 30% to India’s GDP and employ millions, reflecting their critical role amid evolving trade challenges.
Event highlights of ET MSME Awards 2025
The ET MSME Awards 2025 concluded in New Delhi with a distinguished gathering of policymakers, trade councils, and MSME stakeholders. The ceremony featured 20 award categories spanning manufacturing, services, exports, and innovation. Besides recognising top-performing MSMEs, the event facilitated dialogue on critical issues such as geopolitical disruptions, digitisation, and supply chain resilience. A keynote address underscored MSMEs’ growing contribution to India’s economic growth amid global uncertainties, setting the tone for a comprehensive industry showcase.
Key numbers and global participation
The 2025 edition saw over 300 nominees from across India, representing sectors ranging from textiles to IT-enabled services. Notably, over 15 international trade councils participated, fostering cross-border engagement and knowledge exchange. MSMEs contribute roughly 30% of India’s GDP and employ about 120 million workers. This strong turnout highlights the importance of these enterprises in underpinning domestic jobs and exports valued at $150 billion annually. Participation by global entities also signals expanding export opportunities and the sector’s integration with global value chains.
Why ET MSME Awards matter for the Indian economy
MSMEs form the backbone of India’s informal and formal economy, providing considerable employment and innovation. The awards spotlight business excellence, encouraging competitiveness in a sector often challenged by credit access, technology adoption, and regulatory complexities. Recognition through ET MSME Awards incentivises firms to scale sustainably and improves visibility to policymakers and investors. Given MSMEs’ linkages to inflation control and export growth, the awards indirectly support macroeconomic stability and job creation, especially crucial in a post-pandemic recovery phase.
Who benefits from the ET MSME Awards 2025
Primary beneficiaries include MSME entrepreneurs who gain prestige and greater market access through award recognition. Secondary stakeholders encompass government bodies such as the Ministry of MSME and trade facilitators, who leverage these insights for policy formulation. Financial institutions and investors also stand to gain from enhanced transparency and credibility in MSME enterprises. Another point — employees in the MSME sector see improved work environments and job security as firms gain momentum to scale and innovate.
Context and background of ET MSME Awards
Launched in the early 2010s, the ET MSME Awards have evolved into a respected platform promoting MSME growth and innovation. Over the years, the awards have adapted to policy shifts like the Companies Act revisions and credit guarantee schemes. This year’s focus on global participation reflects India’s push to integrate MSMEs into international markets following initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The awards form part of a broader ecosystem promoting competitiveness alongside government efforts to boost technology adoption and export diversification.
ET MSME Awards and sectoral growth outlook
With MSMEs contributing nearly 25% of manufacturing output and expected to grow at 10-12% annually, recognition from platforms like ET MSME Awards propels further growth. The awards help spotlight emerging trends like green manufacturing and digital services, encouraging responsible business models aligned with global sustainability goals. Looking ahead, enhanced international collaboration signalled at the awards could support MSME export diversification beyond traditional markets, mitigating risks from geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.
Practical implications for MSME stakeholders
MSMEs should leverage the visibility and networking opportunities from ET MSME Awards to attract investment and expand market reach. Policymakers can use award data to tailor schemes promoting credit facilitation, technology upgrades, and export readiness. Industry bodies may focus on capacity building based on sectoral insights revealed during the event. Finally, business leaders within MSMEs should prioritise innovation, compliance, and sustainability to improve prospects for future recognition and growth in a highly competitive environment.
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Source: ET. Independent analysis by PolicyPulse Media.
