SBI Establishes MSME Center of Excellence in Gurugram to Enhance Capacity Building and Support National Development Objectives

SBI Launches MSME Centre of Excellence to Drive Economic Growth

Gurugram, Haryana – August 24, 2025 – State Bank of India (SBI), the nation’s leading financial institution, has officially opened a dedicated Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at its State Bank Academy (SBA) campus in Gurugram. The initiative underscores SBI’s commitment to strengthening the MSME ecosystem and supporting India’s ambitions for sustained economic advancement.

A Hub for Capacity Building and Innovation

the newly established Centre of Excellence will focus on capacity building, in-depth research, and fostering collaboration between industry stakeholders. SBI intends for the CoE to become a pivotal resource for MSMEs, providing specialized training, and driving the development of innovative financial products and processes.

The inauguration ceremony was led by M. Nagaraju, Secretary of the department of Financial Services (DFS), and C.S. Setty, Chairman of SBI.key attendees also included Vinay M. Tonse, Managing Director (RB&O), Surender Rana, Deputy Managing Director (Retail-Agri, SME & FI), Anindya Sunder Paul, deputy Managing Director (SME & SCF), and Suranjana Dutta, Chief General Manager STU.

Government Calls for Benchmarking with Top Institutions

During the launch event, Shri M. Nagaraju emphasized the crucial role of MSMEs as engines of economic growth and employment, notably in rural India. He urged the SBI Centre of Excellence to establish itself as a benchmark for quality, drawing inspiration from the nation’s premier MSME institutions. Nagaraju also highlighted the importance of conducting thorough research and developing a publicly accessible knowledge base, especially for entrepreneurs in underserved regions.

He stated the expectation that the CoE would actively engage with Entrepreneurs, Fintech companies and Startups. Continuous innovation combined with close involvement with these key groups will be essential for its continued success.

SBI’s Vision for a Thriving MSME Sector

Shri C.S. Setty, Chairman of SBI, reiterated the bank’s duty as the largest lender to MSMEs. He affirmed that the Centre of excellence will act as a catalyst for new ideas and processes, ultimately benefitting the broader banking sector. Sri C.B.K. Singh, GM & Director of the State Bank Academy, added that the Centre’s establishment embodies the Chairman’s vision and will substantially contribute to the growth of India’s MSME sector.

The CoE is structured to encourage engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders, including MSME owners, startups, industry associations, academic institutions, government agencies, regulatory bodies, and banking experts. This collaborative strategy ensures that the Centre’s initiatives remain relevant, impactful, and aligned with the sector’s evolving needs.

Key Feature	Details
Institution	State Bank of India (SBI)
centre	Centre of Excellence (CoE) for MSMEs
Location	State Bank Academy, Gurugram
Focus Areas	Capacity Building, Research, Industry Collaboration

Did You No? MSMEs contribute over 30% of India’s Gross Domestic Product and provide employment to over 110 million people, according to recent data from the Ministry of MSME.

Pro Tip: MSME owners should actively seek opportunities to engage with institutions like the SBI CoE to access valuable resources, training, and networking opportunities.

How will this new Centre of Excellence impact the growth trajectory of MSMEs in india? And what role will innovation play in shaping the future of SME lending?

The Growing importance of MSMEs in India

The MSME sector represents a vital component of the Indian economy, driving job creation and fostering innovation.Recognizing this importance, the government and financial institutions are increasingly focused on providing targeted support to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of MSMEs. Initiatives like the SBI Centre of Excellence are crucial in addressing the challenges faced by these businesses, including access to finance, technology adoption, and skill development.According to the latest annual report by the Reserve Bank of India, credit growth to the MSME sector is steadily increasing, indicating a positive trend in financial inclusion and support.

Frequently Asked Questions about the SBI MSME centre of Excellence

• What is the primary goal of the SBI MSME Centre of Excellence?

  The Centre aims to strengthen the MSME ecosystem through capacity building, research, and collaboration.

• Who inaugurated the SBI MSME Centre of Excellence?

  Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), and shri C.S. Setty, chairman of SBI.

• What types of stakeholders will the CoE engage with?

  The Centre will engage with MSME promoters, startups, industry associations, academia, and government agencies.

• How will the CoE benefit MSMEs in remote areas?

  The CoE will create and share a publicly accessible knowledge base, particularly for entrepreneurs in underserved regions.

• What role does SBI play in supporting the MSME sector?

  SBI is the largest lender to MSMEs and is responsible for building capacity and driving innovation in the sector.

• What is the location of the SBI MSME Centre of Excellence?

  The Centre is located at the State Bank Academy (SBA) in Gurugram, Haryana.

• What are the key focus areas of the SBI MSME Centre of Excellence?

  Capacity building, research, and industry collaboration are the core functions of the Centre.

Share your thoughts on this crucial development in the comments below!

What specific financial assistance options does the SBI MSME Center of excellence offer too reduce risk for lenders?

Strengthening the MSME Ecosystem: A Strategic Move by SBI

State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest public sector bank, has inaugurated a dedicated MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) center of Excellence in Gurugram, Haryana. This initiative underscores SBI’s commitment to bolstering the MSME sector, a crucial engine for economic growth and job creation in India. The center aims to provide comprehensive support to MSMEs,focusing on capacity building,financial literacy,and access to credit. This aligns directly with national development objectives, particularly the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) campaigns.

Core Functions and Services Offered

The MSME Center of Excellence isn’t just a lending hub; it’s designed as a holistic support system. Key services include:

Financial Assistance: Streamlined access to a wide range of SBI’s MSME loan products, including credit guarantee schemes and working capital finance. This encompasses schemes like the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) which reduces the risk for lenders.

Capacity Building Programs: Workshops, seminars, and training sessions covering areas like:

Digital Marketing for MSMEs

Financial Management & Accounting

Business Plan Development

GST Compliance and Taxation

Export-Import Procedures

Mentorship & Advisory Services: connecting MSMEs with industry experts and mentors for guidance on business strategy, operations, and scaling up.

digital Conversion Support: Assistance with adopting digital technologies to improve efficiency, reach new markets, and enhance competitiveness. This includes guidance on e-commerce platforms and digital payment solutions.

Handholding for First-Generation Entrepreneurs: Dedicated support for new entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of starting and running a business.

Gurugram: A Strategic Location for MSME Support

Choosing Gurugram as the location for this Center of Excellence is strategic. Gurugram is a major industrial and commercial hub, home to a large concentration of MSMEs across diverse sectors. Its proximity to Delhi-NCR provides access to a skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, and a thriving business ecosystem. This allows SBI to effectively serve a important portion of the MSME landscape. The location also facilitates collaboration with other key stakeholders, including industry associations and government agencies.

Benefits for MSMEs: A Deeper Dive

The establishment of this center offers numerous benefits to MSMEs:

Improved Access to Finance: Reduced lending hurdles and faster loan processing times.

Enhanced Business Skills: Increased knowledge and expertise in critical areas of business management.

increased Competitiveness: adoption of best practices and digital technologies to compete effectively in the market.

Growth Opportunities: Support for scaling up operations and expanding into new markets.

Reduced Risk: Access to risk mitigation tools and advisory services.

Networking Opportunities: Connecting with peers, mentors, and potential partners.

SBI’s Commitment to MSME Financing – Recent Trends

SBI has consistently been a leading provider of credit to the MSME sector. Recent data indicates a significant increase in MSME lending by the bank, driven by government initiatives and a growing demand for credit.

Focus on Priority Sector Lending: SBI actively prioritizes lending to the MSME sector to meet regulatory requirements and support national development goals.

Digital Lending Initiatives: The bank has launched several digital lending platforms to streamline the loan application process and reduce turnaround times.

Specialized MSME Branches: SBI has established dedicated MSME branches across the country to provide specialized services to MSME customers.

Collaboration with Fintechs: Partnering with fintech companies to leverage technology and innovation in MSME lending.

Navigating SBI MSME Loan Options: Practical Tips

Applying for an MSME loan from SBI can be simplified with these tips:

1. Prepare a Comprehensive Business Plan: A well-structured business plan is crucial for demonstrating the viability of your business and your ability to repay the loan.
2. Maintain Accurate Financial Records: Keep detailed records of your income, expenses, and assets.
3. Check Your credit Score: A good credit score increases your chances of loan approval and can help you secure better interest rates.
4. Understand the loan Requirements: Carefully review the eligibility criteria and documentation requirements for the specific loan you are applying for.
5. Utilize SBI’s Online Resources: explore SBI’s website for details on MSME loan products, application procedures, and FAQs.
6. Be Aware of Online Security: As SBI warns, never share confidential information like PINs or OTPs. (Refer to The Future of MSME Support at SBI

   SBI’s MSME Center of Excellence in Gurugram represents a significant step towards strengthening the MSME ecosystem in India. The bank is expected to replicate this model in other key industrial hubs across the country, further expanding its reach and impact.