1. Overview & Purpose

The WASME Global Awards 2026 is the most prestigious recognition programme for MSMEs and entrepreneurs on the occasion of the 7th World SME Day, organised by the World Association for Small & Medium Enterprises (WASME) — the world's foremost institution for MSME advancement, holding United Nations Consultative & Observer Status.

These awards honour individuals, enterprises, and institutions that have demonstrated exceptional achievement, innovation, and impact in the areas of national development, global trade, digital transformation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Awards are presented at the Global Business Convergence Summit 2026 in the presence of 150+ business leaders, investors, Ambassadors, and government officials from 40+ nations — making this recognition one of the most visible and internationally credible MSME awards in India.

3. General Eligibility Criteria

• The nominee must be an Indian national or an enterprise incorporated/registered in India under applicable Indian laws.
• The enterprise must be operational for a minimum period as specified per category (minimum 1 year for startups; 2+ years for all other categories; 20+ years for Lifetime Achievement).
• The enterprise must be in good legal standing — no ongoing criminal, fraud, or regulatory proceedings against the promoter or organisation.
• Self-nominations and nominations by a third party (industry association, Embassy, investor, or peer enterprise) are both accepted.
• The same entity may not win the same award category in consecutive years. However, they may be nominated in a different category.
• Nominees must attend the GBCS 2026 Award Ceremony in person (or arrange for a senior representative) to receive the award on June 30, 2026.
• The nomination fee of ₹25,000 per category is non-refundable. A separate fee is required for each category.
• WASME reserves the right to disqualify any nomination that provides false, misleading, or unverifiable information at any stage.

4. How to Nominate — Step by Step

1. Step 1: Download and complete the WASME Global Awards 2026 Nomination Form (available at www.wasmeinfo.org/awards).
2. Step 2: Select your award category and complete all mandatory sections of the form, including the Nomination Statement (Sections 4–6).
3. Step 3: Pay the nomination fee of ₹25,000 + GST via NEFT/RTGS, UPI, or Demand Draft. Note your UTR/Transaction Reference Number.
4. Step 4: Email the completed nomination form, payment proof, and all supporting documents to: awards@wasmeinfo.org
5. Step 5: Subject line format: “GBCS 2026 Award Nomination — [Nominee Name] — [Category Name]”
6. Step 6: You will receive an acknowledgement email from WASME within 3 working days confirming receipt of your nomination.
7. Step 7: The WASME Awards Committee will evaluate all nominations and release a shortlist by June 10, 2026.
8. Step 8: Shortlisted nominees will be notified via email and telephone for confirmation of in-person attendance on June 30, 2026.

5. Evaluation Criteria & Scoring Framework

All nominations are evaluated by the WASME Awards Committee — a panel of senior industry experts, government officials, WASME advisors, and academic representatives. The evaluation is based on the following weighted scoring framework:

6. Required Supporting Documents

Mandatory for All Categories:

• High-resolution photograph of the nominee (minimum 1MB, neutral/white background, professional attire)
• Company logo in high resolution (PNG or AI format, transparent background preferred)
• UDYAM / DPIIT / GST registration certificate (self-attested copy)
• Payment confirmation / UTR number screenshot

Strongly Recommended: Audited financial statements or CA-certified turnover declaration for the last 2 financial years; List of prior awards, recognitions, industry certifications; Company profile / brochure (2–4 pages PDF).

Category-Specific Documents:

• Export Excellence: FIEO certificate, shipping bills, RBI remittance records, or DGFT data
• Sustainable Business Leadership: ISO 14001 / GRI report / ESG certification or equivalent
• Digital Innovation: Product demo link, app download metrics, DPIIT startup recognition certificate
• Make in India Pioneer: PLI / ODOP participation certificate, factory audit report, or MSME data
• Women Entrepreneur: Legal proof of majority ownership by women promoter, UDYAM certificate
• Lifetime Achievement: Bio-data of minimum 20 years, media/industry testimonials, government recognition letters

7. Key Dates & Timeline

8. What Award Winners Receive

• WASME Global Award — prestigious trophy presented on stage at the Global Business Convergence Summit 2026
• Formal recognition certificate from WASME — UN Consultative & Observer Status-backed, framed and ready for display
• Winner profile featured in the WASME Summit Outcome Report — distributed to all 40+ Embassies, Ministry of MSME, GOI officials, and WASME's 2,00,000+ global database
• Digital winner badge and social media amplification package — shared across WASME's platforms for 30 days post-event
• Press release issued by WASME featuring the winner to national and international media
• Invitation to be a featured speaker or panellist at future WASME events (subject to availability)
• Complimentary WASME Business Club membership — year-round access to global network, UN-linked advocacy, and database

9. Important Policies

9.1 Non-Refundable Nomination Fee

The nomination fee of ₹25,000 (plus applicable GST) is strictly non-refundable under all circumstances, including disqualification, withdrawal, or non-shortlisting. The fee covers the administrative cost of evaluation, regardless of outcome.

9.2 Confidentiality

All nomination information is treated with strict confidentiality. WASME will not share or sell nomination data to any third party. However, publicly shareable information such as nominee name, company, and award category may be used for event promotion purposes after the awards ceremony, with the nominee's implicit consent granted upon submission.

9.3 WASME Committee Decision — Final & Binding

The decision of the WASME Awards Committee on shortlisting, evaluation, and final conferment of awards is final, conclusive, and binding. No appeals, challenges, or correspondence will be entertained post-decision. WASME reserves the right to not confer an award in any category if no nomination meets the required standard.

9.4 Withdrawal of Award

WASME reserves the right to withdraw any award — before, during, or after conferment — if it is established that the nominee provided false information, is engaged in fraud, or acts in a manner inconsistent with the values of the WASME Global Awards programme.

9.5 WASME's Right to Publish

By submitting a nomination, the nominee / nominator grants WASME the non-exclusive right to use the nominee's photograph, company logo, and summary of achievements for all event-related publications, social media, digital platforms, and media communications without additional compensation.