MICRO-, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES DAY
Every year on June 27th, Micro-, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day raises awareness for the important role different sized enterprises play in meeting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
There are two classes of micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises. These classes include manufacturing enterprises and service enterprises. Businesses are further broken down according to how much money they invest in their manufacturing plant, machinery, and equipment. According to recent estimates, more than 95% of global enterprises are micro-, small and medium-sized. These companies account for 60% of private-sector employment. Additionally, these enterprises make up 50% of GDP.
In 2015, the UN General Assembly developed 17 global goals that they called Sustainable Development Goals. The purpose of the goals is to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The UN also hopes to achieve these goals by 2030.
Some of these sustainable goals include:
- No poverty
- Good health and well-being
- Quality education
- Gender equality
- Clean water and sanitation
- Decent work and economic growth
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Sustainable cities and communities
- Responsible consumption and production
The UN believes micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises help to sustain growth for long-term development in developing countries. As this growth becomes stronger, enterprises of all sizes will begin to play a key role in industrial development. Micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises will do this by increasing local demand for services. These types of enterprises will also be responsible for significant employment opportunities and income generation.
HOW TO OBSERVE #MicroSmallMediumSizedEnterprisesDay
Several organizations, including the International Trade Centre, the International Labor Organization, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the World Bank hold special events on this day. Examples of these events include:
- Online meetings that allow individuals and government officials to learn about the struggles, successes, and experiences of real micro-, small and medium sized-enterprises.
- Special sessions that bring together forward-thinking entrepreneurs and business people.
- Webinars that feature entrepreneurs from around the world as well as those who support small businesses.
You can spread the word for this day by sharing #MicroSmallAndMediumSizedEnterpriseDay.
MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES DAY HISTORY
On April 6, 2017, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to designate June 27th as Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day. The resolution was co-sponsored by 54 member states, representing over 5 billion people. The UN has appointed the International Trade Centre as the leading agency for this observance.
