Background

The International Small Business Congress (ISBC) gathers individuals from governments (policymakers), small business support agencies, entrepreneurs, business membership organisations, academia, financial institutions, international development agencies and various others with an interest in entrepreneurship and small business development around the world to discuss issues pertinent to the promotion of entrepreneurship and small business worldwide.

Delegates exchange ideas on approaches, experiences and lessons learnt in implementing policy measures and support programmes for entrepreneurship and small business growth. Participants also forge global networks and contacts through which they continue to exchange information and ideas long after the Congress. Since the first Congress held in Hawaii in 1974, the ISBC has hosted thirty-six annual congresses in different parts of the world, enabling entrepreneurship and small business promoters to gain exposure to different contexts, thereby enriching their own practice in their home countries. Each congress brings a strong host country flavour while at the same time showcasing leading practices from around the world. Participants leave each congress with a great deal of information on the state of entrepreneurship and small business promotion worldwide.