Championing small business initiative launches

An initiative designed to champion small businesses has been launched by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

The ‘ICC-WTO Small Business Champions’ initiative is designed to be a platform for companies to develop ideas surrounding micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and conducting business across borders.

MSMEs are often unaware of the potentially wider market and do not always have the resources to navigate sometimes complex trading procedures, meaning that their market share tends to be smaller. However, new technologies are helping to pare back these obstacles and create a more level playing field for smaller companies in international trade.

Helping more MSMEs to trade internationally is an important step in building a more inclusive trading system that benefits a wider array of citizens.

“I have heard many great ideas from the private sector over recent months about how we might be able to help MSMEs to trade,” said WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo.

“This initiative is our response — it is about capturing some of those ideas and using the shared platform of the WTO and ICC to help make them a reality.”

Proposals could take the shape of awareness-raising campaigns, competitions or capacity building, training and mentoring programs.

The ICC and the WTO will use their shared platform to support and promote successful proposals. The precise support provided will depend on the nature of the proposals received.

“This new initiative will seek to harness the knowledge, creativity and networks of the global business community to inspire and support MSME growth,” said ICC Secretary General John Danilovich.

“We call on businesses and private sector organisations across the world to play their part as small business champions.”

The call for proposals is open until the end of 2017, with no limitation as to the number of proposals that may be selected. The selection of proposals will be carried out by the WTO Secretariat and the ICC. The successful proposals will be announced by the ICC and the WTO on a rolling basis.