The International Council for Small Business (ICSB) recently hosted a global webinar introducing the upcoming World Congress 2026 in Washington, D.C. The message was clear: this is not simply a conference, it is a platform for ideas that shape the future.
At its core, ICSB is calling for globally changing ideas. We are looking for work that challenges assumptions and moves the field forward, ideas in the spirit of Human-Centered Entrepreneurship and beyond. Congress is designed to surface concepts that not only describe the world but also actively improve it.
We also recognize what it takes to participate. Presenting your work requires time, effort, and resources. That is why every accepted presentation has a lasting home. Contributions will be published with a DOI in an ICSB journal, ensuring your ideas are not only shared in the moment but also carried forward, recognized, and citable for years to come.
At the same time, we understand that global travel has become more complex and unpredictable. In response, the World Congress 2026 is intentionally designed as a hybrid experience from the ground up, not as an afterthought. Whether you join in Washington, D.C., or virtually, you will be fully integrated into the dialogue, the sessions, and the global exchange of ideas.
And perhaps most importantly, this is not a typical conference. This is a network-building experience. The goal is not simply to present and leave, but to connect deeply with a global community of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers who are shaping entrepreneurship and MSMEs worldwide.
Washington, D.C., provides a powerful backdrop for this experience. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary and the world’s attention turns to the city, participants will engage directly with one of the most influential ecosystems in policy, innovation, and global development.
Participants can expect access to:
- Global institutions such as the World Bank, IMF, and leading development organizations
- Embassies and policy centers shaping international economic agendas
- Startups, incubators, and innovation hubs across the city
Rather than remaining within a single venue, the Congress extends into the city itself, creating an immersive experience through curated visits, workshops, and engagements.
The structure of the Congress reflects this ambition:
- A research track focused on dialogue, development, and bold ideas
- The ICSB Student Academy, bringing energy and new perspectives
- A collaboration with the Women Presidents Organization, connecting research with practice
- A clear pathway from presentation to publication, ensuring lasting impact
The ICSB World Congress 2026 is for those ready to engage, contribute, and build something meaningful. It reflects a shift in how global gatherings should operate: less transactional, more experiential; less isolated, more connected.
📍 Location: George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
📢 Submissions are now open
Bring your ideas. Build your network. Leave with impact.
