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WEEK Of April 19, 2026

ICSB Sunday Times Editor’s note:

Pour yourself a cappuccino as we look ahead to the ICSB World Congress 2026 in Washington, D.C., where entrepreneurship takes center stage as a global force for innovation, policy, and inclusive growth. This edition welcomes Winslow Sargeant and Salvatore Zecchini as keynote speakers, offering powerful insights on how governments can catalyze MSME success and how small businesses have evolved across decades of economic and technological change. We explore the new reality facing MSMEs, where resilience, adaptability, and speed are essential, and where public-private collaboration is key to scaling impact globally. We also invite you to be part of this global dialogue through the Call for Papers, now extended to May 31, as Washington, D.C. becomes the meeting point for ideas shaping the future of entrepreneurship. – by Ayman ElTarabishy

United States Congress

to Host ICSB DAY

Washington, DC

June 29 – July 2, 2026

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Winslow Sargeant, ICSB Fellow and global thought leader, as a keynote speaker at the ICSB World Congress 2026 in Washington, D.C.  Dr. Winslow Sargeant is the immediate past chair of ICSB and is a distinguished leader in innovation, entrepreneurship, and public policy, with extensive experience supporting the growth of small businesses and technology-driven ventures. He previously served as Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the U.S. Small Business Administration, where he was a leading voice for MSMEs across federal policymaking. Dr. Sargeant has also held senior roles in academia and industry, including positions in venture capital and technology development. His work focuses on strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems, advancing innovation policy, and expanding opportunities for emerging enterprises.

The future of MSMEs is being shaped by a new reality defined by rapid technological change, shifting global markets, and increased uncertainty. In this environment, resilience, adaptability, and speed of decision-making are no longer advantages—they are necessities. Governments can play a catalytic role by creating enabling policies, reducing barriers to entry, and investing in infrastructure, access to finance, and digital ecosystems. Ultimately, strong public-private collaboration will be essential to ensure MSMEs not only survive but also scale and compete globally.

Announcing New Keynote Speaker
Dr. Salvatore Zecchini

The Past, Present, and Future of MSMEs

Salvatore Zecchini will serve as a keynote speaker at the ICSB World Congress, bringing decades of global policy leadership and academic insight to the stage. Currently Vice Chair of the Committee on Economic Cooperation and Integration at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Zecchini has played a pivotal role in shaping international thinking on small and medium-sized enterprises. His distinguished career, including senior leadership at the OECD, has positioned him at the intersection of policy, innovation, and economic development, making him one of the foremost voices on how governments can effectively support entrepreneurship and SME growth.

At the Congress, Zecchini will deliver a keynote on “The Past, Present, and Future of MSMEs,” offering a rare longitudinal perspective on the evolution of small businesses in the global economy. Drawing on decades of experience across institutions and regions, he will explore how MSMEs have adapted through economic cycles, technological shifts, and policy transformations—and what lies ahead as they navigate new challenges in sustainability, digitalization, and global competitiveness. His keynote will provide a powerful bridge between historical insight and forward-looking strategy, setting the tone for a deeper conversation on the role of MSMEs in shaping the future of inclusive and resilient economies.

Set against the backdrop of the United States’ capital, a global hub of policy, innovation, and international collaboration, this Congress will celebrate entrepreneurship as a universal force for economic empowerment, social progress, and sustainable development. Just as the World Cup unites nations through shared passion and competition, this event will bring together the global MSME community to showcase excellence, share breakthrough innovations, and champion entrepreneurship as a catalyst for inclusive prosperity worldwide. Washington, D.C., stands at the intersection of policy and practice, where decisions shaping the global entrepreneurial landscape are made. (read more).

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