ICSB 70th Anniversary – From ICSB History Book
1. First World Conference Held Outside the U.S. (1978 – Canada)
ICSB took a significant step toward internationalization by hosting its first World Conference outside the United States in 1978, held in Canada. This move marked the beginning of ICSB’s transformation into a truly global organization.
2. Origin of the “International” in ICSB
Initially founded in 1955 as the National Council for Small Business Management Development (NCSBMD), the organization adopted the name International Council for Small Business (ICSB) in 1976 to reflect its growing global network and cross-border collaborations.
3. First ICSB President from Africa (Ahmed Osman, 2019)
In 2019, Ahmed Osman of Egypt became the first ICSB President from Africa. His leadership marked a pivotal moment in expanding ICSB’s influence across the Middle East and North Africa, deepening its commitment to emerging markets and inclusive development. Join us in Cairo for ICSB Global at www.ICSBGlobal.org
