The Small Business Champions Competition was launched in 2021 by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the WTO Informal Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (MSMEs). This annual competition provides an opportunity for businesses, industry associations, chambers of commerce and non-governmental organizations to propose innovative, practical ways of helping small businesses play a more active role in world trade.
Although MSMEs account for the majority of global businesses, they make up a relatively small share of international trade. Lack of resources and access to relevant information are among the barriers that restrict MSME participation in world trade. Helping MSMEs to trade internationally can increase business productivity and competitiveness as well as support inclusivity.
The aim of the 2022 competition is to find ways of helping small businesses reduce their carbon footprint and benefit from sustainability innovations. As the urgency to address climate change increases, innovation by businesses of all sizes will be critical to achieve UN sustainability targets. Domestic and international supply chains represent an estimated 90 per cent of corporate emissions according to the World Economic Forum, with small businesses contributing to this.
On 27 June 2022, a call for proposals was launched. The deadline for submissions is 15 August 2022.
Winning proposals will be announced during Building Bridges — a joint initiative to foster collaboration on sustainability issues — to be held in Geneva on 3-6 October 2022.
Winners will be awarded with a certificate by the ICC, ITC and WTO MSME Group.
Awards:- Winning submissions will be highlighted by the ICC, ITC and WTO MSME Group through their
communication channels and receive recognition during Building Bridges, to be held in Geneva on 3-
6 October 2022. Winners will also receive a certificate.
Deadline:- 15-08-2022
