The ICSB LightHouse Awards honor small business agencies and organizations whose sole mission is to support MSMEs and entrepreneurs nationally. These exceptional organizations develop and implement programs, influence government policies, and drive research and innovative solutions that create a positive impact.
The award symbolizes a Lighthouse—a guiding beacon that steers MSMEs and entrepreneurs through challenges, offering stability, hope, and a safe harbor. Just as lighthouses are vital during storms, these organizations are critical in navigating MSMEs and entrepreneurs toward growth, prosperity, and resilience.
ICSB thoughtfully selects each recipient and provides a personalized explanation from the ICSB President detailing their significant contributions.
ICSB Five Lighthouse Awards for 2024-2025 are below in no set order.
Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. It is the only cabinet-level federal agency entirely dedicated to small businesses. The SBA provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
President Review:
Since its founding in 1953, the SBA has been a cornerstone for MSME growth and prosperity. At that time, MSMEs lacked meaningful support from any government entity. ICSB, established just two years later in 1955, recognizes the significance of this milestone.
What sets the SBA apart is its comprehensive portfolio of services and unwavering consistency. It truly embodies the essence of a Lighthouse for MSMEs and entrepreneurs. The SBA’s dedication to guiding and supporting these enterprises through challenges is unmatched.
Notably, the SBA has been an early advocate for the UN MSMEs Day. Two SBA Administrators spoke at the UN through the ICSB’s invitation, further solidifying their commitment to advancing the MSME ecosystem nationally and globally.
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO), established on 11 March 2016, is dedicated to making Australia the ideal place to start, grow, and transform a business. ASBFEO achieves this by providing support and advocacy for small businesses and family enterprises, recognizing the profoundly personal and significant contributions of over 2.5 million such companies to Australia’s prosperity, well-being, and community.
President Review:
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) stands out for its rapid establishment and bold vision to become a national, comprehensive support system for MSMEs. Established with remarkable speed, ASBFEO has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to adapt and address the pressing needs of small businesses and family enterprises, setting a new benchmark in advocacy and support.
What truly sets ASBFEO apart is its courage to tackle challenging issues others overlook. By bringing critical topics to the forefront, the organization ensures that the voices of entrepreneurs and small businesses are heard, driving meaningful and positive change. Their unwavering commitment to support and action has made ASBFEO an authentic lighthouse for Australian MSMEs, providing guidance through challenges and delivering impactful solutions.
ASBFEO’s leadership extends beyond national borders, as demonstrated by its groundbreaking support for the United Nations MSMEs Day at the OECD in 2023. As the first to champion this initiative globally, ASBFEO exemplifies its mission to drive change and advocate for MSMEs. By taking a stand on the global stage, ASBFEO highlights its dedication to small businesses and inspires a worldwide movement to recognize and empower MSMEs as vital drivers of economic and social progress.
Established in 1996, SME Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp. Malaysia) is the central coordinating agency (CCA) under the Ministry of Entrepreneur & Cooperatives Development (MECD) that coordinates the implementation of development programmes for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across all related Ministries and agencies. It acts as the central point of reference for research and data dissemination on SMEs and entrepreneurs and provides business advisory services for SMEs. SME Corp. Malaysia also implements various programmes and initiatives under its auspices, including its annual flagship programmes, such as the SME Annual Showcase (SMIDEX), Enterprise 50 (E50) Award, and Entrepreneurship and SME Week.
As the central coordinating agency (CCA) for the overall SME development in Malaysia, SME Corp. Malaysia coordinates, streamlines, monitors, and evaluates the progress and effectiveness of SME development programmes implemented by 13 Ministries, 5 Sole Agencies, 45 Agencies, and 10 State Governments. The information collected from the relevant Ministries and agencies is reported annually under the SME Integrated Plan of Action (SMEIPA).
President Review:
What sets SME Corporation apart is its diverse range of programs, each designed with a multi-tiered approach that is both unique and impactful. Among these initiatives, the Malaysia Inclusive SME Ecosystem (i-SEE) program stands out as a transformative force in the MSME landscape. This program empowers underserved groups, including B40 communities, rural populations, youth, retirees, women, older individuals, and persons with disabilities (OKU). By fostering the development of innovative products tailored to their specific needs, i-SEE not only uplifts these communities but also creates a more inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in Malaysia.
The program fosters innovation, drives community transformation, and empowers the economy by providing financial assistance through grants, guidance, and technical support.
ICSB recognizes i-SEE as a best practice for focusing on these vital segments, showcasing how innovation can create lasting impact and build a more inclusive MSME ecosystem.
KOBİA was established in 2017 to enhance the investment and business environment in the country, improve the system of regulation of entrepreneurship and implementation of effective coordination, enlarge the role and competitiveness of small and medium enterprises in the country’s economy, adapt the management system in this field to modern requirements, expand access opportunities for SMBs to financial resources and institutional support mechanisms, strengthen the legal guarantee of entrepreneurship. KOBİA provides support and services to micro, small, and medium enterprises and those seeking to launch their own business in the fields of information, advice, training, legal assistance, coordination with other state structures, boosting access to markets and financial resources, and protecting the interests of entrepreneurs.
President Review:
KOBİA, the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, has emerged as a leader in MSME support through a carefully crafted strategy that blends global insights with local innovation. Before launching their programs, KOBİA conducted extensive research on successful small business associations worldwide, identifying best practices that could be adapted to Azerbaijan’s unique economic landscape.
What makes KOBİA stand out is its ability to tailor these global lessons to the needs of Azerbaijani MSMEs, creating customized solutions that resonate locally. Once these foundations were established, they moved beyond adaptation to develop new, innovative programs that address challenges in real time and anticipate future needs. This deliberate research, adaptation, and creation process is a global best practice in MSME development.
Their impact has been far-reaching, culminating in hosting COP29, which placed Azerbaijan at the center of global climate discussions, and launching the Joint Declaration on the Baku Climate Coalition to lead the green transition for SMEs. These milestones highlight KOBİA’s commitment to MSME empowerment and advancing sustainability and climate resilience.
KOBİA’s approach is a powerful example of how a focused, well-researched, and innovative strategy can transform the MSME ecosystem, driving economic growth and positioning businesses to tackle global challenges confidently. Their work showcases the transformative potential of blending global expertise with local vision.
Business Assistance Fiji (BAF) is a company limited by guarantee that supports economic growth by fostering the development of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in Fiji. With a mission to address the needs of MSMEs through high-quality business information, advice, and tailored services, BAF provides advisory support, training, and accessible funding options to help businesses thrive. The organization actively participates in policymaking, promotes the inclusion of women, youth, and differently-abled groups in business, and advocates for the interests of MSMEs at national and international forums. BAF collaborates with government, donor agencies, and financial institutions to enhance the business regulatory environment, secure funding opportunities, and facilitate networking and idea-sharing platforms for MSME growth. Guided by a dedicated team—including specialists in business services, accounting, IT, and communications—BAF remains a key player in driving entrepreneurship and innovation in Fiji.
President Review:
While much of the global conversation revolves around MSMEs, its unwavering focus on micro-businesses sets Business Assistance Fiji (BAF) apart. These smallest enterprises often form the backbone of communities, driving grassroots economic development and creating opportunities for individuals to uplift their livelihoods. When the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) established MSMEs Day at the United Nations, the letter “M” emphasized the critical importance of micro-businesses alongside small and medium enterprises. BAF exemplifies this focus, demonstrating how targeted micro-business support can bring broader economic and social impact.
BAF’s dedication goes beyond providing internal support. They operate with a global perspective, actively learning from and contributing to international best practices in entrepreneurship and business development. This outward-looking approach ensures that Fijian businesses benefit from and contribute to global MSME advancement.
Through various tailored programs, BAF has shown exceptional commitment and excellence, addressing micro businesses’ unique challenges while fostering innovation and resilience. Their work is a testament to the transformative power of focusing on the smallest companies, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and opportunities to thrive in a globalized world. In doing so, BAF has become a model for how micro-businesses can be elevated to drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
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