2024 Global SME Finance Awards – SME Finance Forum

About SME Finance Forum

The SME Finance Forum is a global network dedicated to helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) gain better access to finance. Established by the G20’s Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), the forum aims to expand the availability of financial services to SMEs by sharing knowledge, fostering innovation, and promoting best practices among financial intermediaries. By bringing together financial institutions, technology innovators, and policymakers, the SME Finance Forum works to improve the financial ecosystem for SMEs, enabling them to thrive and contribute to economic growth.

About the Global SME Finance Awards

The Global SME Finance Awards, now in their seventh year, celebrate excellence and innovation in the financing of small and medium-sized enterprises. The 2024 awards feature four main categories:

1. SME Financier of the Year: Recognizes the best financial institutions across different subsegments, including commercial banks, development finance institutions (DFIs), non-bank and fintech lenders, and platforms/technology innovators.
2. Product Innovation of the Year: Highlights innovative financial products that support SMEs, covering a broad range such as sustainability-linked, digital, loan-based, asset-backed finance, trade & supply chain, and more.
3. Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs: Awards institutions that have shown exceptional commitment to financing women entrepreneurs.
4. Sustainable Bond of the Year: Commends the best use of sustainable bonds in SME financing.

This year introduces subsegments in the SME Financier of the Year category, ensuring a more inclusive recognition of various types of financial intermediaries. The awards will culminate with the announcement of winners at the 2024 Global SME Finance Forum Annual Event in Sao Paulo, with regional awards given for key categories.

Guidelines for Submissions

You can find more details about the awards and how to submit here.

1. Eligibility: Open to any financial intermediaries serving SMEs, including banks, non-bank financial institutions, fintech companies, etc.
2. Categories: Each institution can apply in up to three categories. Each nomination form is valid for one entry only; separate entries are required for each category.
3. Language: Applications must be submitted in English.
4. Fees: Nomination is free of charge.
5. Process: Register on the Awards Platform. Select your category. Follow the process to address the criteria and complete your entry. Upload supporting documents. Submit the application and receive confirmation of receipt.
6. Deadline: Submit your entries by July 5th, 2024.

Judging Criteria

Awards will be judged by a global committee of industry experts based on the following criteria:

• Reach: Number of SMEs served and volume of financing provided.
• Uniqueness & Innovation: Originality and cutting-edge nature of the project or product.
• Effectiveness & Impact: Achievement of objectives and measurable success.
• Dynamism & Scalability: Flexibility and potential for growth.

Call for SMEs

We encourage SMEs to keep an eye on the winners of the Global SME Finance Awards, as these institutions represent the best in class for SME financing. By choosing to work with award-winning financiers, SMEs can gain access to innovative financial products and services that are tailored to their specific needs, ultimately supporting their growth and sustainability. Stay informed about the best financial partners available to ensure your business has the support it needs to succeed.

For more details, visit the SME Finance Forum official website.