Small Business Champions 2025

[Video Message]

Excellencies,

Dear business representatives,

Dear colleagues,

It is with pride and excitement that UNCTAD has joined the WTO, ITC and ICC for the Small Business Champions initiative.

Small businesses like yours are not just the backbone of economies. Your agility and innovative spirit make you key agents for building more circular, inclusive and sustainable economies.

Today, we have the immense pleasure of recognizing and celebrating a group of exceptional enterprises. Heartfelt congratulations to all winners and finalists of the Small Business Champions 2025 Award! Your achievements inspire us all and light the path toward a more vibrant and sustainable global economy.

To further scale your potential and fully unlock your participation in global markets, trade and industrial policy measures can make important contributions. Allow me to briefly highlight three areas:

First, building supportive frameworks.

We must reduce regulatory uncertainty, offer meaningful tax incentives, and provide robust support for research and development to unleash innovation. Importantly, let us actively reward SMEs that invest in ecosystem regeneration and community empowerment — businesses that give back should be businesses that go forward.

Second, unlocking market access.

This means simplifying customs procedures, harmonizing sustainability standards, and supporting certification and traceability. SMEs must be connected to public procurement, trade promotion opportunities, and regional value chains to truly thrive.

And third, creating spaces for innovation.

By investing in pilot zones and digital sandboxes, entrepreneurs can experiment, test their ideas, and refine their models. These are safe spaces where groundbreaking ideas can develop.

UNCTAD stands firmly by your side. We are fully committed to creating the right conditions for your businesses to flourish and lead.

Thank you, and once again, warmest congratulations.