PURPOSE: The United Nations General Assembly declared 27 June as Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, to raise public awareness of their contribution to sustainable development and the global economy. Policymakers must move beyond recovery and consider ways in which to lower and eliminate barriers faced by MSMEs, improve the business environment and access to finance, markets and technology in these fragile times. It is critical that countries and their development partners continue to support and empower MSMEs and unlock their full potential through inspiring innovation, creativity and decent work for all.
FORUM: "Enhancing the role of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) as drivers of Sustainable Growth and Innovation." Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day 2025. The Micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises are the lifeblood of every community and key drivers of sustainable development at local level.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. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #smallbusinesses, #27June, #MSMEday, #MSMEs.
EVENT: At UNHQ New York On June 27th, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT, Conference Room 5, a High-level panel to mark the Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day 2025 will surface actionable ideas and position MSME priorities at the forefront of upcoming global development agendas. Get the Concept Note for NY MSME Day 2025 event and Download the MSME Day 2025 event flyer.
In Geneva on June 27th a Virtual event will be held from 15:00 - 17:00 CEST entitled“ Celebrating the Importance and Resilience of MSMEs with Global Experts to Elevate Their Impact on the Global Economy”. Register to participate and get the Agenda and Concept Note!
STATEMENTS: Read the statement from the United Nations Secretary-General on Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day 2025; June 27th.
PODCASTS: Increasing annual investments in small and medium-sized enterprises by $1 trillion would yield disproportionate dividends in terms of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. 600 million jobs will be needed by 2030 to absorb the growing global workforce, which makes SME development a high priority for many governments around the world. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Join the 2025 Campaign “Helping small biz thrive.” The Participants will include international experts and representatives from all stakeholder groups. Get the campaign Materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
PARTNERSHIPS
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
The Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day is co-organized by the United Nations Secretariat, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Global Compact, the SME Finance Forum, the World Bank.
With the Collaboration of the International Council on Small Business (ICSB), the OECD SME and Entrepreneurship, the International Trade Centre (ITC), the International Monetary Fund (IMF). With the participation of Civil Society Organizations, the Public and Private sectors, Non-Governmental Organizations, Entrepreneurs and academics.
Reach and support the self-employed, smaller and younger firms, women, and entrepreneurs.
Focus on the need of SMEs.
Advance entrepreneurship worldwide by developing research skills and career opportunities.
Engage cities with SMEs toward Sustainability, entrepreneuship and innovation in a globalized world.
Invite stakeholders to know that Humane Entrepreneurship empowers people and produces extraordinary results.
Pay particular attention to local people and their cultures by increasing investments. Combining culture with traditions encourages the world of entrepreurs.
Coordinate Governments, academics and business sectors in an Entrepreneurship/Education ecosystem that supports growth.
Organize live events, and initiate partnerships with community groups.
Promote the development of Micro-enterprises, small businesses and Medium-sized enterprises.
On April 6, 2017, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing the crucial role Micro-, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) play in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Resolution (A/71/279) designates June 27th as “Micro-, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day”. With support from ICSB, the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the UN authored the resolution that was presented to and negotiated with all United Nations member states. The resolution was co-sponsored by 54 member states, representing over 5 billion people. Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals, all countries have been working for its implementation, which aims to ensure that every actor can contribute in the best possible way.