The new coronavirus pandemic is having unprecedented impacts across the globe, especially on human health and economic activities. In this context, Governments are intensifying their efforts to combat the global spread of COVID-19 by enacting various measures to support public health systems, safeguard the economy and to ensure public order and safety.
Likewise, entrepreneurs have looked for creative solutions to keep their activities afloat, addressing different challenges. The downturn in the global economy following this huge sanitary and health crisis represents unprecedented challenges, but will provide opportunities as well.
Discussion objectives
The objective of this virtual discussion is to identify and analyse the main impacts of COVID-19 on entrepreneurs and Micro, Small and Medium-Sized-Enterprises (MSMEs), their reactions, as well as the support they have received to face the current situation. Discussions will provide an opportunity for an intermediate impact assessment of the disruption, would help to identify a set of priority policies and measures for immediate basic re-opening measures for small business-owners, in order to facilitate resurgence, and also develop a longer- term social and economic recovery strategy where entrepreneurship and MSMEs play a central role leaving no one behind.
This first Webinar will focus on the urgent priorities for start-ups and MSMEs recovery and discuss the following questions:
- What fragilities in the entrepreneurship and MSMEs ecosystem has COVID-19 exposed? What are the key challenges entrepreneurs and MSMEs have been facing during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- What are the immediate priorities for start-up and MSMEs recovery?
- Are there good practices and success stories that could be shared to scale-ups new sustainable ventures?
- What policies are needed to ensure resilient, green and inclusive recovery in the MSME sector?
Target audience
The event is open to all and is targeting all entrepreneurship stakeholders, with a particular focus on the following groups:
- Public sector officials;
- International organization;
- Representatives from the private sector, including MSMEs, and academia;
- Civil Society representatives.
You can watch the recording of the webinar here.
