To reinforce its commitment of developing a strong eco system for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country, IndiaMART.com, India's largest online B2B marketplace, has joined hands with ET NOW, India's leading financial news channel, to present 'IndiaMART Leaders of Tomorrow Awards'.

The exclusive awards are aimed at recognising the significance of Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) in sustaining economic growth, increasing trade, generating employment and creating new entrepreneurs in India. To establish this, ET NOW has commenced airing a series of inspiring success stories of emerging entrepreneurs every week for four months, starting 10th August, 2010. The TV series will culminate in a grand Awards Ceremony in December in New Delhi.

Commenting on this path-breaking move, Dinesh Agarwal, Founder and CEO, IndiaMART.com, said "We, at IndiaMART.com, are extremely proud to partner with ET NOW for these awards which will establish SMEs as the trailblazers of innovation in the Indian economy. This initiative is a crucial part of our nationwide drive to connect with each and every SME and bring them to the forefront by celebrating their success stories. In fact, the TV series and the Awards Ceremony will acknowledge the same. At IndiaMART.com, we have been ardently working towards shaping the dynamics of the SME cluster in India and I am sure this is a step in the right direction."

A large-scale nationwide campaign backed by a huge promotional plan has been launched to garner nominations from across the country.The TV series on ET NOW aims to showcase stimulating success stories of the selected entrepreneurs who will be assessed and shortlisted by a distinguished jury of experts and decision-makers from the industry. The success story of each entrepreneur will encapsulate their unique journey, struggle and achievements that have helped them outshine others. To ensure transparency in the process, Neilsen India has been brought on board for independent process validation.

IndiaMART Leaders of Tomorrow Awards will honour deserving entrepreneurs from various industries such as manufacturing verticals like Auto/Auto Components, Engineering Products, Apparel & Accessories to services verticals like Travel, Tourism & Hospitality, IT/ITES or Telecom among others. In addition, the awards will also acclaim other mights in the industry - a young entrepreneur crafting a niche for his/her business, a distinguished woman entrepreneur breaking the glass ceiling in the industry and green company playing a key role in tackling climate change, et al. The grand felicitation ceremony to be organised in December will witness industry stalwarts awarding the winners in these categories. The awards are poised to provide them with large spread exposure, recognition and credibility they deserve. IndiaMART.com is India's largest online B2B marketplace connecting global buyers with suppliers through business directories, online product catalogs, buy-sell offers, industry specific marketplaces, printed media and trade shows participation.