International Council for Small Business (ICSB)

06/22/2026

As we prepare for MSMEs Day 2026, we invite entrepreneurs, business owners, educators, policymakers, students, and supporters from around the world to add their voices to the Global Fan Wall.

This year's theme, "Human-Centered Entrepreneurship in an AI-Driven Future: Economic Empowerment for the Next Generation of MSMEs," reminds us that the future of entrepreneurship is ultimately about people.

Share your story. Represent your community. Inspire the world.

What do MSMEs mean to you, your organization, or your community?

Add your message and join a global celebration recognizing the extraordinary impact of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises worldwide. Be part of history. Add your voice.

As we prepare for MSMEs Day 2026, we invite entrepreneurs, business owners, educators, policymakers, students, and supporters from around the world to add their voices to the Global Fan Wall.This year's theme, "Human-Centered Entrepreneurship in an AI-Driven Future: Economic Empowerment for the Next...

06/20/2026

Egypt Takes the Field

The MSMEs World Cup 2026 celebrates the leaders who have helped shape entrepreneurship ecosystems around the world.

We are proud to spotlight Ahmed Osman, entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, ICSB Fellow, and former Chair of the International Council for Small Business (ICSB).

As the youngest Chair in ICSB history and the first Arab and African leader elected to chair the organization, Ahmed helped expand ICSB's global reach while elevating entrepreneurship ecosystems throughout Egypt, the Middle East, and Africa.

His leadership culminated in the hosting of the largest ICSB World Congress in history in Cairo, Egypt, in 2019, transforming the city into a global meeting point for entrepreneurship and showcasing the growing influence of the Middle East and Africa within the international entrepreneurship community.

As Founder and CEO of CHROME and President of the Global Entrepreneurship Network Egypt (GEN Egypt), Ahmed has championed innovation, MSME growth, and entrepreneurial opportunity while connecting entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators, and business leaders across borders.

At the 71st ICSB World Congress, Ahmed represents Egypt and the Middle East & Africa through the MSME Global Lens series, bringing regional insights to a global audience.

From Cairo to the world, his journey reflects the power of entrepreneurship to build bridges across nations, strengthen economies, and create lasting impact.

MSME Global Lens: Middle East & Africa
71st ICSB World Congress
George Washington University School of Business
Washington, D.C.
June 29 – July 1, 2026

Youngest Chair. First Arab and African Chair. Host of the largest ICSB World Congress in history.

06/20/2026

Argentina Takes the Field

The MSMEs World Cup 2026 is about more than competition. It is about celebrating the global leaders who have helped build the entrepreneurship movement across continents.

We are proud to spotlight Rubén Ascúa, Rector of the Universidad Nacional de Rafaela, former President of ICSB, and one of Latin America's most respected voices in entrepreneurship, innovation, and regional development.

Long before entrepreneurship became a global priority, Rubén was helping connect research, policy, and practice to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems throughout Argentina and Latin America.

His leadership also played a historic role in the growth of the global MSME movement. Following the United Nations' adoption of MSMEs Day in April 2017, Rubén Ascúa was among the first global leaders to champion and host MSMEs Day celebrations in Argentina, helping bring international attention to the vital role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in economic development and job creation.

Today, he continues that mission as a global advocate for entrepreneurship, higher education, and regional transformation.

At the 71st ICSB World Congress, Rubén will represent Argentina as part of the MSME Global Lens: Latin America session, sharing insights on the opportunities, challenges, and future of entrepreneurship across the region.

From Rafaela to the world, his work reminds us that entrepreneurship is not just about building businesses—it is about building communities, creating opportunities, and shaping a better future.

MSME Global Lens: Latin America

71st ICSB World Congress

George Washington University School of Business

Washington, D.C.

June 29 – July 1, 2026

06/20/2026

The Next Generation of Entrepreneurship Education

What will entrepreneurship education look like in the age of artificial intelligence?

Will it be shaped by hackathons in STEM classrooms? AI-powered learning environments? Cross-cultural training programs? Or community-based engagement that creates measurable social impact?

At the 71st ICSB World Congress, researchers from Germany, Japan, and the United States will explore these questions through five competitive research papers examining the future of entrepreneurship education.

Professor Annette Bentz and colleagues investigate how hackathons can become a sustainable part of entrepreneurial STEM education. Professor Atsushi Kato introduces a new model balancing human-AI interaction with peer collaboration in large-scale classrooms. Janina Peschmann, Michael Gielnik, Michael Frese, and colleagues present evidence from more than 5,000 university students across five African countries, examining when entrepreneurship training creates the greatest impact. Dr. Martin Ekoumou contributes two papers exploring innovative approaches to community engagement, health promotion, and education through entrepreneurship.

Together, these studies span classrooms, universities, communities, and cultures—offering a glimpse into how the next generation of entrepreneurs will learn, innovate, and create impact.

Moderated by Mario Carrassi of Italy, this session reflects the spirit of the MSMEs World Cup 2026: bringing together global perspectives, rigorous research, and innovative ideas to advance entrepreneurship for the world.

📍 George Washington University School of Business

📅 June 29 – July 1, 2026

🌍 Washington, D.C.

Five papers. Three countries. One question: How do we educate the entrepreneurs of tomorrow?

06/19/2026

Research knows no borders.

At the 71st ICSB World Congress in Washington, D.C., we are bringing together scholars from the United Kingdom and the United States for a global conversation on one of the most important questions of our time:

How do we create a more inclusive future for entrepreneurship?

Our Academic Session, Inclusive Entrepreneurship & the Future of Entrepreneurship: Global Research Perspectives, features research exploring immigrant entrepreneurship, racial and perceived barriers to entrepreneurial intentions, financial inclusion, commercial real estate, and cultivating agency in the age of AI.

Featured presenters include:
• Oyedele Martins Ogundana – Nottingham Trent University (United Kingdom)
• Sharon Simmons – Jackson State University (United States)
• Leisan Galieva – Seton Hall University (United States)
• Jonathan Ortmans – Global Entrepreneurship Network (United States)

These conversations reflect the spirit of the MSMEs World Cup 2026: bringing together diverse perspectives, global experiences, and innovative ideas to advance entrepreneurship for all.

Join us in Washington, D.C. as researchers, policymakers, educators, and entrepreneurs come together to shape the future of inclusive entrepreneurship.

June 29–July 1, 2026
George Washington University School of Business
Washington, D.C.

06/19/2026

Innovation alone is not enough.

Many promising technologies never achieve meaningful market impact, while countless small businesses struggle to navigate increasingly complex policy and trade environments.

At the ICSB World Congress 2026, two distinguished scholars will lead a timely conversation exploring these critical challenges from complementary perspectives.

Commercializing New Technologies: Cases, Challenges, and Teaching Insights

Dr. Alex F. DeNoble, Alex F. DeNoble is a professor emeritus of entrepreneurship at San Diego State University will draw on real-world cases from medical devices, advanced sensing technologies, and other emerging innovations to examine how entrepreneurs transform technical discoveries into successful ventures.

American Small Business Governance and Trade Policy

Dr. Bryan O'Byrne of Ritsumeikan University will explore the twin governance challenges facing small businesses and examine how legal frameworks and trade policies can support MSME growth, competitiveness, and long-term resilience.

Together, these sessions connect innovation, commercialization, governance, and public policy—providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs, educators, researchers, and policymakers.

Global Workshop

Commercializing New Technologies & Small Business Policy

Where Technology, Policy & Entrepreneurship Converge

June 29, 2026

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Duquès 155

George Washington University

Washington, D.C.

06/18/2026

🏆 THE ICSB MSMEs WORLD CUP CONTINUES! 🏆

Some divisions are difficult.

Some divisions are brutal.

And then there is this one.

Welcome to what may be the toughest division in the entire ICSB MSMEs World Cup 2026.

Before our Italian friends object, yes, we know Italy did not qualify for the FIFA World Cup. The wounds are still fresh, and hearts remain broken across the peninsula. We will respectfully set that aside for today.

Because Italy has arrived at the ICSB World Cup ready to compete.

🇫🇷 FRANCE enters with a formidable attack. Max Berre, Maria Tselika, Job Andreoli, and Nazik Fadil tackle startup valuation risk, uncertainty measurement, macroeconomic forces, and ESG performance in SMEs.

🇨🇭 SWITZERLAND brings its trademark precision. Rico J. Baldegger explores how nation brands become economic architecture, creating enduring competitive advantage.

🇮🇹 ITALY counters with creativity and resilience. Mario Carrassi challenges us to rethink entrepreneurial skills through the lens of sustainability and the future of responsible entrepreneurship.

This is the academic equivalent of a World Cup Group of Death.

Startup valuation.

National innovation systems.

Entrepreneurial finance.

Nation branding.

ESG performance.

Sustainability.

Future entrepreneurial skills.

Every paper is capable of changing the match.

Every presenter is stepping onto the field with something to prove.

France.

Switzerland.

Italy.

A very tough division.

And while Italy may have missed the football tournament, they are very much alive and dangerous in the ICSB MSMEs World Cup.

📍 Washington, D.C.

📅 June 29 – July 1, 2026

The match is about to begin.

06/17/2026

🏆 THE ICSB MSMEs WORLD CUP CONTINUES! 🏆

Last round gave us everything football fans dream about.

⚽ Messi, the Zeus of Soccer, delivered a magnificent hat trick. Like a fine Argentine wine, he only gets better with time.

🚀 Mbappé unleashed a shot from the gods — the kind of strike that leaves an entire stadium speechless.

🌍 The world watched greatness unfold.

And now, the tournament moves from the pitch to the world of ideas.

The spotlight shifts to Washington, D.C.

Will we witness another hat trick?

Will someone produce a moment of brilliance that changes the game?

Will a researcher deliver the academic equivalent of a shot from the gods?

Our next match features scholars from three nations stepping onto the field for a global conversation on Academic Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Creativity.

🇺🇿 UZBEKISTAN — Abbos Utkirov explores how soft and hard quality management practices influence both financial and non-financial performance in higher education institutions. A disciplined strategy built for long-term success.

🇵🇰 PAKISTAN — Abdul Raziq and Mir Hassan examine the role of microfinance in fostering MSME growth and sustainability. The engine room of the team, creating opportunities where others see obstacles.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES — Juliana Binhote and Kristen Lucas investigate work-life balance in entrepreneurial households, while Sylvia Azucena Robles combines innovation, design thinking, inner development, and AI to transform dementia caregiving. Two attacking threats capable of changing the match in an instant.

Three countries.

Four papers.

One field.

One global conversation.

That is the beauty of the ICSB MSMEs World Cup.

Every nation brings its own style.

Every researcher brings a unique perspective.

Every presentation advances entrepreneurship around the world.

The question now is simple:

Will we see another hat trick?

Or will someone deliver a breakthrough so remarkable that we call it the academic equivalent of a shot from the gods?

🏛️ Washington, D.C.

⚽ Monday, June 29, 2026

🏆 ICSB World Congress 2026 – MSMEs World Cup

OLÉ, OLÉ, OLÉ, OLÉ...

ICSB! ICSB!

06/16/2026

THE ICSB MSMEs WORLD CUP HAS KICKED OFF!

OLÉ, OLÉ, OLÉ, OLÉ… ICSB! ICSB!

AND THE WHISTLE BLOWS. The ICSB MSMEs World Cup 2026 is gearing up in Washington, D.C.!

Forget the group stage — our opening match brings five teams to the pitch, and they didn't come to play it safe. Five research perspectives. One field. One global conversation.

Taking the field in our Academic Session, "Women's Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Startup Growth":

UNITED KINGDOM — Sanna Tanveer brings the opener: social empowerment as a driver of gender equality in West Punjab. A confident first touch.

UGANDA — Ntale, Mugabe, Nalubega & Balikudembe field a full midfield, tackling female entrepreneurship and self-identification in the craft industry. Strong team play.

ARGENTINA — Martín García Moritán steps up on the challenges facing women entrepreneurs. The reigning champs of bold ideas, naturally.

TAIWAN — Liu & Hsiao with the tactical question of the tournament: is founder control always beneficial? Governance vs. survival, decided in extra time.

UNITED STATES — Ram Jupudy goes on the attack with agentic AI as a digital transformation enabler for small clinics. A 21st-century strike.

No losers here. Every paper advances. Every team scores. Because when entrepreneurship research from across the globe meets on one stage, everyone wins.

So sing it with us: OLÉ, OLÉ, OLÉ — this is ICSB!

Monday, June 29. Washington, D.C. The matches begin.

Who's in the stands with us?

06/14/2026

☕ Pour a coffee and join the global conversation on the future of entrepreneurship. https://icsb.org/sunday-times/central/june-14-for-msmes-worldwide/

The agenda for the ICSB World Congress 2026 is now live! From June 29–July 1, leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, and innovators from around the world will gather at the George Washington University School of Business in Washington, DC, for the MSMEs World Cup 2026.

One of the many exciting discussions will feature new research examining how government entrepreneurship support policies influence university faculty members to become entrepreneurs. Using data from 227 academics in China, the study finds that targeted policy support significantly increases entrepreneurial intentions and venture creation, particularly among academics with substantial industry experience. The findings provide important insights into how governments can better connect research, innovation, and economic development.

Alongside cutting-edge research, participants will engage in conversations on artificial intelligence, human-centered leadership, sustainability, innovation, and the future of MSMEs. With world-renowned speakers, global networking opportunities, academic sessions, and a special ICSB Day at the United States Congress, this year's Congress promises to be one of our most impactful gatherings yet.

📍 Washington, DC

📅 June 29–July 1, 2026

🎯 Theme: MSMEs World Cup 2026

View the agenda and join us as we shape the future of entrepreneurship worldwide.

The agenda for the ICSB World Congress 2026 is now live. Join global leaders in Washington, DC, June 29–July 1, as we explore entrepreneurship, innovation, AI, and the future of MSMEs. Featured research highlights how government support policies can significantly encourage university faculty membe...