Market Update: We break down the business implications, market impact, and expert insights related to Market Update: Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day – Full Analysis.
2025 Theme: Enhancing the role of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) as drivers of Sustainable Growth and Innovation
MSME Day 2025 comes at a pivotal moment—just ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Sevilla and the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha—amid shifts in the global trading landscape. It offers a timely opportunity to spotlight the vital role of micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in driving inclusive growth and sustainable development, and to catalyze the finance, policy support, and enabling conditions they need to thrive.
Micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises are key sources of jobs, income, and local growth—especially for women, young people, and vulnerable groups. Their size and flexibility help build strong, fair, and sustainable communities.
However, many of these businesses face serious challenges. They often struggle to get loans, deal with poor infrastructure, and work under tough conditions. Many operate informally, which limits their access to funding, legal rights, and government support.
Today’s global challenges—like political tensions, climate change, and digital shifts—make it even harder for them to survive. Supply chain issues, higher costs, and uncertain markets have left many at risk. A huge global funding gap remains, despite clear opportunities to grow.
To help these businesses succeed, better policies and more accessible funding are crucial. Support for skills training, innovation, and fairer rules can also make a big difference. Since many operate outside the formal system, making it easier to register, access benefits, and follow labor laws will help create better jobs and stronger economies.
2025 Event in New York
24 June 2025
ILO New York Office
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT
A high-level panel will surface actionable ideas and position MSME priorities at the forefront of upcoming global development agendas.
Concept Note for NY event
Download the event flyer
2025 Event in Geneva
27 June 2025
Virtual
15:00 – 17:00 CEST
Celebrating the Importance and Resilience of MSMEs with Global Experts to Elevate Their Impact on the Global Economy
Agenda and Concept Note
Background
MSMEs account for 90% of businesses, 60 to 70% of employment and 50% of GDP worldwide. As the backbone of societies everywhere they contribute to local and national economies and to sustaining livelihoods, in particular among the working poor, women, youth, and groups in vulnerable situations.
MSMEs hold the potential to transform economies, foster job creation, and promote equitable economic growth if given adequate support. MSMEs Day aims to highlight their pivotal role and explore opportunities for their further advancement.
The United Nations General Assembly designated 27 June as “Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day” (A/RES/71/279) to raise awareness of the tremendous contributions of MSMEs to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).