All news: microenterprises + small enterprises + informal enterprises + value chains
Green jobs
Small businesses embrace greener practices to grow and create new opportunities in Indonesia
From turning aloe vera into a low-waste business to giving traditional herbal drinks a modern appeal, small businesses in Indonesia are discovering how greener practices can help them use resources more responsibly, strengthen their businesses and...
Entrepreneurship and AI
An AI business adviser in your pocket: What we are learning from the ILO’s SABY pilot
The ILO is piloting SABY, a WhatsApp-based AI business adviser designed to give entrepreneurs practical, continuous support. Early experience across Africa shows how entrepreneurs are using AI to solve everyday business challenges, from improving...
Decent work in coffee
ILO takes decent work push across Ethiopia’s coffee heartlands
The ILO is expanding its decent work push across Ethiopia’s coffee heartlands, equipping stakeholders in Sidama and South Ethiopia with practical knowledge on labour law, working conditions, wages, productivity and social dialogue. Following...
Just transition
Japan’s SME decarbonization calls for just transition finance
As Japan’s automotive sector decarbonizes, SMEs face growing pressure to adapt. A just transition will require not only new technologies and finance, but also skills development, workforce support and targeted policies to ensure no one is left...
Social protection
Strengthening farmers’ access to social protection and sustainable livelihoods in Timor-Leste
A joint initiative in Timor-Leste strengthens farmers’ livelihoods and access to social protection while supporting better nutrition for children.
International day of cooperatives
A youth-led poultry cooperative gives entrepreneurs in Ethiopia a pathway to decent work
With support from the ILO, a cooperative in Addis Ababa is showing how a sustainable enterprise can strengthen livelihoods and help create opportunities for young people.
Enterprise development
New National Business Development Services Portal connects Bangladesh's entrepreneurs with finance, training and business support services
ILO, SME Foundation and the Ministry of Industries have launched Bangladesh's national Business Development Services (BDS) Portal - a one-stop digital platform connecting entrepreneurs with finance, training, licensing and market information.
MSME Day 2026
ILO Director-General's message for International Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day
In his message for International MSME Day 2026, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo highlights the vital role of micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises in creating jobs and calls for policies that support entrepreneurship, decent work and...
Menopause at work: addressing productivity loss, talent retention and gender equality
657 million women at work face menopause, costing billions in lost productivity and pushing experienced talent out of jobs. A recent ILO webinar reveals why action is critical for economic performance and equality.
Productivity ecosystems for decent work
Building capacity to drive SME productivity and decent work in Viet Nam
New training, advisory services, and knowledge-sharing initiatives are helping SME support organizations and enterprises accelerate digital and green transformation while improving productivity and working conditions.
South African firms turn productivity into better jobs
The ILO and Productivity SA are helping enterprises improve workplace systems, competitiveness and decent work.
Productivity ecosystems for decent work
Viet Nam builds momentum for policy reform to strengthen support for SMEs and household businesses
Recommendations from a multi-stakeholder consultation will inform reforms to the SME support framework, helping businesses become more productive while creating better jobs and more inclusive economic opportunities.
South-South Cooperation
East Sumba Province in Indonesia strengthens seaweed development through Thailand learning exchange
South-South study visit provides insights on innovation, value addition and sustainable growth for East Sumba's seaweed industry.
Voices from ILO PROSPECTS
A grant, a business plan and 300 chickens: how ILO-supported competition helps poultry farmer grow in Ethiopia
Through entrepreneurship training and access to finance under the PROSPECTS programme, Hussien Saleman has expanded Al Nur Poultry Farm, created jobs for young people and strengthened local supply chains in Ethiopia’s Somali Region.
News
National dialogue in Uganda discusses decent work in the platform economy
With support from the ILO PROSPECTS programme, the National Organisation of Trade Unions convened a national dialogue in Kampala to strengthen workers’ representation and support social dialogue on decent work in the platform economy.
Productivity ecosystems for decent work
Viet Nam takes a major step toward sustainable enterprise development with new national programme
With technical contributions from the ILO, the Government of Viet Nam has approved a landmark national programme to advance sustainable business practices across the country's private sector for the period 2026–2030.
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises
Philippines prepares mobile financial education rollout for small businesses
The International Labour Organization and its partners are developing a mobile learning and behavioural nudge system to help micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) manage digital borrowing, avoid fraud and strengthen financial...
Article
ILO-supported skills recognition initiative in Uganda opens pathways to decent work for refugees and host communities
An ILO-supported initiative in Uganda is helping refugees and host community members transform informally acquired skills into nationally recognized qualifications, improving access to employment, enterprise opportunities and economic inclusion.
Small and Medium Enterprises
Montenegro advances responsible business conduct for SMEs
A new roadmap aims to align business practices with the principles of international labour standards and the ILO MNE Declaration.
Sustainable agriculture
Across continents, young dairy farmers from Indonesia and Switzerland find common ground
Swiss and Indonesian farmers exchange lessons on sustainability, resilience and the future of dairy farming.
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