ET NOW-IndiaMART Leaders of Tomorrow Awards Return to Replicate 1st Edition's Grand Success

NEW DELHI, May 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- IndiaMART.com to extend the reach of the awards to a much larger base of MSMEs

- Ernst & Young (EY) to be the independent process validation advisor

- ET NOW to feature a series of inspiring success stories for 28 weeks

After receiving an overwhelming response for IndiaMART Leaders of Tomorrow Awards last year, the next edition this year returns with much aplomb. IndiaMART.com and ET NOW promise to bring an experience that is bigger and better, and which covers a larger base of MSMEs than the last time. Together, they have brought on board Ernst & Young (EY), world's leading professional services organisation, as winner determination process validator and tabulator of all jury processes. EY will evaluate nominations on parameters such as business success, initiative or innovation undertaken and the impact created in the country by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The Awards are aimed at according due recognition to the small scale enterprises that have proved to be the growth drivers for the Indian economy.

Sharing his outlook on this year's Awards, Mr. Dinesh Agarwal, Founder & CEO, IndiaMART.com, said, "The successful first edition raised the bar for this year's awards. We will ensure that we meet the high expectations. Also, we are delighted to have Ernst & Young as a process partner for the awards. We are certain that they will play a key role in narrowing down the search for the most deserving entrepreneur in the respective categories. Their expertise will contribute in adding credibility to the awards."

Mr. Sunil Lulla, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Times Television Network says, "ET NOW watched by 22 million people every month is India's most credible Stocks Market Channel. We are proud to host 'The Leaders of tomorrow Awards' for the second year in a row which celebrates innovation, business acumen & entrepreneurship amongst Small and Medium Enterprises across India. For those of India Inc who are going to script the future success of corporate India these awards have become one of the most coveted."

IndiaMART Leaders of Tomorrow Awards 2011 goes one step ahead in catapulting small businesses to the forefront by featuring a series of inspiring success stories for 28 consecutive weeks on ET NOW. This will further help in highlighting the importance of MSMEs in the Indian business fraternity. Not only this, these awards will acknowledge the contribution of entrepreneurs in 13 different categories such as Textile, apparels & accessories, FMCG & consumer durables, Pharmaceuticals & medical, Chemicals and petrochemicals, Food and agri products, Home decor and handicrafts, Auto components, Engineering products, Electrical & electronics, Transport & logistics, IT / ITES-BPO / VAS, Travel & hospitality, Healthcare & biotech along with two special recognition awards on Woman entrepreneur of the year and SME of the year.

In each of these categories, EY will determine and shortlist top 30 entries from the nominations received. This will be based on the information obtained from the participants which will be further shared with the screening jury.

As IndiaMART.com has kick-started its nationwide campaign for nominations on a large spread, IndiaMART Leaders of Tomorrow Awards 2011 is ushered into the first phase of its journey. The registration is open for all the MSMEs in the country. They can file their nominations at http://leaders.economictimes.com.

About IndiaMART.com

IndiaMART.com is India's largest online B2B marketplace for Small & Medium Size Businesses, connecting global buyers with suppliers. The company offers a platform & tools to over 1 million suppliers to generate business leads from over 5 million buyers, who use the platform to find reliable & competitive suppliers. The company has over 4000 employees located across 75 offices in the country. Its existing investors include Intel Capital and Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.

Products & Services

IndiaMART.com offers products that enable small & medium size businesses generate business leads (online catalogs/store-fronts), establish their credibility (third party verified trust profile) and use business information (finance, news, trade shows, tenders) for their business promotion.

For more information, please visit: http://www.indiamart.com/corporate/press-section.html & http://www.leaders.economictimes.com

About ET NOW

India's most credible business channel, ET NOW, helps you make money every day, by providing breaking news that impacts the market, trading strategies, cutting edge analysis and in-depth interviews. ET NOW is supported by the unmatched resources and expertise of The Economic Times, India's leading business daily.

    Media Contacts:

    Pawandeep Kaur
    Manager - PR
    T: +(91)-(120)-3997600
    F: +(91)-(120-3997666
    E: [email protected]

SOURCE IndiaMART.com