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WEEK Of May 17, 2026

ICSB Sunday Times Editor’s note:

Pour yourself a warm cappuccino as we celebrate a remarkable moment for the global MSME movement. Forbes recently recognized the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) and the ICSB 2025 Annual Global MSME Report in a feature on global MSMEs and financial innovation, highlighting ICSB’s concept of “permanent white water” to describe the nonstop turbulence entrepreneurs worldwide face. As momentum builds toward the ICSB World Congress 2026 in Washington, D.C., the Call for Papers has been extended to May 31, with hybrid participation open globally and a special ICSB Day planned at the United States Congress. by Ayman ElTarabishy

There are moments when research moves beyond journals and enters global conversations.
We are honored to see the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) and the ICSB 2025 Annual Global MSME Report recognized by Forbes in a recent feature discussing the future of global MSMEs, cross-border entrepreneurship, and financial innovation.
In particular, Forbes cited the phrase “permanent white water,” a concept developed in the ICSB report to describe the nonstop turbulence that MSMEs now face from geopolitical shifts, supply chain disruptions, digital transformation, and economic uncertainty.

Due to ongoing travel disruptions, we have extended the abstract submission deadline to May 31st.
To ensure broad participation, the conference will be offered in a hybrid format.
Presentations can be delivered in-person in Washington, D.C., or online from anywhere in the world.

We invite you to submit your papers, cases, panels, and session proposals on topics including (but not limited to):

• MSME growth and resilience

• Innovation, digital transformation, and AI

• Women Entrepreneurship

• Human Centered Entrepreneurship

• Policy, finance, and ecosystem support for MSMEs

Showcase your work on a truly global stage and help shape the MSME agenda for the years ahead.

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.

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