Global SME Finance Awards

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Global SME Finance Awards

The 2023 Global SME Finance Awards open March 15!

Welcome to the sixth annual Global SME Finance Awards!

In all the categories, we look forward to hearing from financial intermediaries from across the spectrum and globe, to share what they are doing and what they are learning so that we can learn from one another and expand access to finance for small and medium businesses


Affiliated with

Winners will be announced at the Global SME Finance Forum September 12-14, 2023

AWARD CATEGORIES

Sustainable Bond
of the Year
Product Innovation
of the Year
SME Financier
of the Year
Best Financier
for Women Entrepreneurs

Awards for entries from IDA and Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations

Awards will be given in the SME Financier of the Year and the Product Innovation of the Year categories for entries that present work and innovations focused in any of the World Bank’s designated IDA countries and/or fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCS).

KEY DATES

SUBMISSIONS OPEN:
15 March 2023
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION
31 May 2023
Please note that there will be no extensions to the deadline.
WINNERS ANNOUNCED:
12-14 September 2023

2023 SMEFF Annual Meeting

GUIDELINES

1.The competition is open to all financiers serving SMEs - banks, NBFIs, financial institutions, fintech companies, etc.

2. Each institution can apply in up to three categories.

3. Each nomination form is valid for one entry only. If you are applying in three categories, please enter each entry separately.

4. Nomination is free of charge.

HOW TO APPLY?

  • Register on the Awards Platform
  • Select your category
  • Follow the process to address the criteria and complete your entry
  • Upload supporting documents
  • Submit application
  • You will receive a confirmation that your nomination has been received
  • Submit your entries by May 31, 2023. Please note that there will be no extensions to the deadline.

If your question has not been answered in the FAQ section please send your question to the awards organizers by clicking on the button below.

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JUDGING CRITERIA

Awards will be judged by a committee of industry experts. Judging criteria is specific to each category and may include the following areas:
Reach
What is the number of SMEs served/financed and volume of financing provided/loan outstanding to the SMEs both directly and indirectly?
Uniqueness & Innovation
Has the project introduced new or cutting-edge innovation? How original is the idea compared to solutions that are currently in use?
Effectiveness & Impact
Did the project/product/service achieve its objectives and targets? What measures have been used to assess its success? What was the impact on your company and industry?
Dynamism & Scalability
Is the strategy, project, service or product flexible to changes and progressive opportunities?






G20 Case Study Database
While preparing your entries for the SME Finance Forum Awards, consider simultaneously submitting case studies to the G20’s Digital and Innovative Financial Products and Services for MSMEs Beyond Credit database!