The United Nations Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day is an annual event celebrated on June 27th. The day was created to recognize MSMEs’ critical role in driving economic growth and creating jobs worldwide. In addition, it is an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges MSMEs face and encourage governments, policymakers, and stakeholders to take action to support them.
MSMEs are the backbone of many economies, providing employment and contributing to GDP. However, they often face significant challenges like limited finance, markets, and technology access. Therefore, supporting MSMEs is crucial to creating a more inclusive and sustainable global economy.
In collaboration with Argentina, the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) created the UN MSMEs Day. In 2017, the ICSB proposed the idea of a dedicated day to recognize the contribution of MSMEs and the challenges they face. The UN General Assembly adopted the proposal in April 2017, and since then, the day has been celebrated annually on June 27th. Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy, President & CEO of ICSB and Deputy Chair of the Department of Management at the George Washington University School of Business proposed the idea.
ICSB continues to play a crucial role in promoting policies and initiatives that support MSMEs. As a global organization dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship and small business, the ICSB works closely with governments, academia, and industry to identify and address the needs of MSMEs. Through its research, advocacy, and education efforts, the ICSB is helping to create a more supportive environment for MSMEs worldwide.
The UN MSMEs Day is a significant opportunity to highlight the challenges that MSMEs face and call attention to the need for policies and programs that support their growth and development. Here are some examples of initiatives from around the world that are working to support MSMEs:
South Africa’s National Small Business Act: The South African government has implemented various policies and programs to support MSMEs, including the National Small Business Act, which aims to create a supportive regulatory environment for small businesses. The Act provides for establishing a Small Business Council, which advises the government on policies and initiatives to support small businesses.
India’s Startup India program: In 2016, the Indian government launched the Startup India program to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. The program offers a range of incentives and support, including tax breaks, funding, and mentorship, to help startups and MSMEs grow and succeed.
Germany’s Mittelstand: Germany’s “Mittelstand” refers to the country’s network of small and medium-sized enterprises, which are the backbone of the country’s economy. The German government has implemented various policies to support the Mittelstand, including access to finance, education, training, and research and innovation support.
United States Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA is a US government agency that supports small businesses through loans, training, and counseling services. The SBA also advocates for small businesses at the national level, ensuring that policies and regulations support small business growth and development.
These are just a few examples of the many initiatives and programs worldwide that are working to support MSMEs. The UN MSMEs Day provides a valuable opportunity to showcase these initiatives and to encourage governments and stakeholders to do more to help small businesses.