#BankofBaroda #BankofBarodaGoldAward #BOBMSMEImpactAwards2025 #BOB #MSME #MSMEmpactAwards2025
Chandigarh: In a landmark recognition of its unwavering commitment to the growth and empowerment of India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, Bank of Baroda (BoB), one of India’s largest and most trusted public sector banks, has been conferred the Gold Award in the Public Sector Bank category at the National MSME Impact Awards 2025. The awards were organized by the India SME Forum, the country’s leading not-for-profit organization focused on promoting the interests of over 98,200 MSMEs, including more than 9,400 women-led enterprises.
The award ceremony was held in New Delhi and was graced by several industry leaders, policymakers, and dignitaries. The prestigious Gold Award was presented by Shri Kalraj Mishra, Former Union Minister for MSME and Former Governor of Rajasthan, who also serves as the Chief Patron of the India SME Forum. Shri Madhur Kumar, Chief General Manager, MSME Banking, Co-Lending, and Supply Chain Finance, accepted the award on behalf of Bank of Baroda.
This accolade highlights BoB’s outstanding efforts in empowering small businesses across the country through tailored financial products, streamlined lending processes, and proactive outreach initiatives. It comes as a strong endorsement of the Bank’s commitment to supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem and driving financial inclusion for enterprises at the grassroots level.
Focused Commitment to MSME Empowerment
Bank of Baroda has consistently demonstrated a deep-rooted commitment to the MSME sector, which is often hailed as the backbone of the Indian economy. With over 60 million MSMEs contributing nearly 30% of India’s GDP, ensuring their access to timely and affordable credit is vital to the country’s economic resilience and growth. Recognizing this, BoB has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to serve this segment through dedicated policies, digital innovations, and customer-centric services.
The Bank has established specialized MSME branches across various regions, equipped with trained staff and customized financial products. These branches serve as one-stop solutions for entrepreneurs, offering services ranging from working capital loans to project financing, supply chain finance, co-lending arrangements, and credit guarantee-linked lending.
Transparent and Impact-Driven Evaluation
The award selection process at the National MSME Impact Awards was rigorous and transparent. Banks were assessed based on a variety of key performance indicators including:
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Presence of dedicated MSME branches and regional support structures
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Year-on-year growth in the number and volume of MSME loans disbursed
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Average loan size under the CGTMSE (Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises) scheme
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Number of exclusive policies and schemes aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs, Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST)
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Feedback from MSME clients, including satisfaction scores, turnaround time, and access to grievance redressal mechanisms
Bank of Baroda excelled across these parameters, showcasing double-digit growth in MSME loan portfolios, an expanded product suite for underrepresented groups, and high levels of client satisfaction, especially in Tier II and Tier III cities where financial access is often limited.
Innovations in MSME Lending
Over the past year, BoB has rolled out several strategic initiatives aimed at improving credit delivery to MSMEs. These include:
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Digital MSME loan processing platforms for faster turnaround times and reduced documentation
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Pre-approved business loans for existing customers using AI and credit analytics
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Co-lending partnerships with NBFCs and fintech firms to extend reach and lower borrowing costs
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Baroda Jan Dhan Plus and Baroda MSME Express products targeting micro and nano enterprises
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Specialized programs for women-led MSMEs, with concessional interest rates and financial literacy initiatives
Recognition that Reflects Ground Realities
Commenting on the recognition, Shri Madhur Kumar stated, “This award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our teams across the country who work tirelessly to support India’s MSME entrepreneurs. We believe that inclusive growth begins with enabling opportunity at the grassroots. Bank of Baroda will continue to innovate and evolve to serve the changing needs of MSMEs.”
He also emphasized the Bank’s focus on sustainable lending practices, financial literacy, and digital enablement as key pillars of future strategy. The Bank plans to scale up its MSME outreach programs and enhance partnerships with government and industry bodies to further catalyze the sector’s growth.
A Trusted Partner for MSMEs
This latest accolade reinforces Bank of Baroda’s position as a leading enabler of MSME development in India. With a robust and inclusive approach, BoB has not only delivered consistent growth in its MSME portfolio but has also earned the trust of thousands of entrepreneurs who depend on the Bank for their business success.
As India looks toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, the role of banks like BoB in facilitating MSME growth becomes even more pivotal. The Gold Award at the National MSME Impact Awards 2025 is not just a recognition—it’s a call to continue empowering small businesses, fostering innovation, and building a stronger economic foundation for the nation.
