Paris, November 4, 2025 — The International Council for Small Business (ICSB), in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), opened its Paris Signature Event with a direct challenge to policymakers and business leaders: move from awareness to measurable action on entrepreneurship for all.
Day 1 centered on the global launch of the OECD–GWEP report, “Bridging the Finance Gap for Entrepreneurs.” Presented by Jonathan Potter and Belinda Owalla, the report found that entrepreneurs remain unevenly supported across access to capital, receiving only a fraction of venture investment and traditional bank financing compared with larger or established firms. Closing these gaps, the OECD noted, could increase GDP by as much as 12 percent in advanced economies.
Moderated by David Halabisky, the OECD-led panel—joined by many leaders emphasized that shared access to finance is not only a social priority but an economic necessity. Dr. Winslow Sargeant, ICSB Immediate Chair, underscored that bridging divides “requires both policy innovation and a mindset shift, one in which entrepreneurs are seen not as participants but as architects of the global entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
In subsequent sessions, Camille Burns of the Women Presidents Organization and Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy, ICSB President and CEO, convened executives and researchers from six countries to examine how businesses are scaling through artificial intelligence, education, and cross-border collaboration. Three consistent themes emerged: the value of mixed networks that foster collaboration, the role of AI as an equalizer, and the pairing of financial tools with non-financial supports such as mentorship and peer learning.
Later, a session co-chaired by Dr. Rico Baldegger and Dr. Sargeant focused on digital empowerment. Amazon Corporation presented new findings from a 13-country study showing that six in ten businesses selling on its platform are small or medium-sized enterprises. Representatives from Cartier Initiative, UNCTAD’s eTrade for Entrepreneurs, and the OECD highlighted how digital ecosystems are expanding access and competitiveness globally.
By evening, one concept had defined the day—“Allyship in Action.” The idea calls for collaboration across sectors to remove barriers, share opportunities, and amplify entrepreneurial potential. As Dr. ElTarabishy concluded, “We are no longer talking about inclusion as an invitation—entrepreneurs are already here, building, innovating, and leading. The next step is partnership—platforms built with them, not for them.”
An ICSB reception at the OECD closed the day, recognizing key partners advancing entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth worldwide.
Day 2: Research Focus on Systemic Transformation
The second day of the Paris Signature Event shifted toward research. Scholars and practitioners examined how systems, rather than individuals, shape opportunity. Hosted again at the OECD, discussions identified five emerging research priorities:
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Systemic Transformation – Linking individual behavior to institutional and network dynamics.
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Ecosystem Design and Legitimacy – Building coherent, trusted partnerships across sectors.
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Future-Ready Competencies – Integrating emotional, digital, and behavioral intelligence into entrepreneurship education.
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Digital Platforms as Equalizers – Assessing how technology redistributes access and power.
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Entrepreneurship in Context – Understanding how culture, migration, and local ecosystems influence resilience.
Across all panels, the shift was evident: from programs to ecosystems, from isolated efforts to integrated systems. The ICSB–OECD partnership, participants noted, continues to translate research into practice—advancing policies that make entrepreneurship more inclusive, digital, and human-centered.
