All news: microenterprises + small enterprises + informal enterprises + value chains

Press release

ILO and Banda Aceh City Government collaborate to strengthen MSMEs and support the Perfume City Programme

A collaborative effort to strengthen the patchouli value chain as part of realizing Banda Aceh as a Perfume City by expanding MSMEs’ access to finance, markets and digitalization.

Digital wages

Mozambique moves forward on digital wage payments as ILO and Vodacom M-Pesa join forces

Mozambique is advancing digital wage payments through a new ILO and Vodacom M-Pesa partnership to promote financial inclusion and protect vulnerable workers.

A woman entrepreneur drives green growth and job creation in Indonesia

In Indonesia, with support from the ILO, one woman entrepreneur is turning tradition into a growing business that creates jobs and promotes sustainable practices.

Trade and digitalization

AI training opens doors for women entrepreneurs in the Philippines

In the Philippines, women entrepreneurs in a remote Benguet community harness the use of artificial intelligence to strengthen their small businesses and expand opportunities.

Productivity ecosystems for decent work

Viet Nam strengthens capacity of SME support organizations to drive productivity and decent work through digital and green transformation

A series of five training courses strengthened the capacity of SME support organizations in northern Viet Nam to help enterprises improve productivity through digital and green transformation while promoting decent work.

Small and medium enterprises

ABDSI and ILO develop national roadmap to strengthen Indonesia's MSME development services

The ILO, together with its partners, supports efforts to develop a roadmap for the institutional transformation of business development services through 2030.

Digital wages

From cash to digital: Social partners drive wage digitization for SMEs in Indonesia

The ILO Global Centre on Digital Wages for Decent Work has supported Indonesian partners in advancing responsible digital wage payments for SMEs.

Local employment partnerships

Young veterinarian turns his dream into a thriving business and career in Bosnia and Herzegovina

After completing the ILO’s “Start and Improve Your Business” training, Srđan Todorović opened up a clinic to provide essential veterinary services to his community.

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises

Philippine partners shape new guided mobile financial education for small businesses

In the Philippines, the ILO and its partners are advancing the rollout of a new mobile phone-based financial education model for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), particularly first-time borrowers using digital financial services.

Financial inclusion

ILO media visit spotlights inclusive finance in Indonesia’s patchouli industry

The ILO media visit to Aceh highlights how inclusive finance helps patchouli farmers and micro, small and medium enterprises grow more resilient and competitive.

SCORE programme

ILO and China reinforce their cooperation to strengthen workplace safety and productivity

Over the past ten years, the Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises (SCORE) Programme has made significant progress in China through ILO’s support and strong partnerships, contributing to substantial improvements in workplace safety.

From waste to opportunity, E-Waste project officially handed over in Limpopo

The ILO-supported E-Waste Project in South Africa, concluded on 20 March 2026 with a handover event marking its transition to local ownership. The initiative empowered 22 young people with skills in e-waste management, safety, and entrepreneurship,...

ILO and Thabazimbi municipality mark Global Recycling day with E-Waste awareness drive

Trade and digitalization

Trade officials complete training to introduce AI tools for enterprises

Officials of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) joined a Training of Trainers co-organized by the ILO and the Negosyo Center-Project Management Office that equipped them to help micro, small and medium enterprises adopt simple, practical AI...

Digitalization and financial inclusion

The ILO and the Swiss Government continue to strengthen partnerships for Indonesia’s sustainable patchouli development

The patchouli industry has emerged as a leading sector in Aceh Province in Indonesia, contributing significantly to local economic development and improving community welfare.

EU-Funded ILO Project news update

PROSPER project sharpens its focus in readiness for community action in southern Belize

The EU-funded PROSPER project reviews the concrete steps it has taken that set the stage for accelerated implementation in 2026, particularly for communities in southern Belize engaged in cacao and tourism.

EU-funded ILO PROSPER Project

Belize communities validate regional value chain study

Community leaders and stakeholders in Toledo, Belize validated the findings of a regional value chain study, confirming tourism and agroforestry, particularly cacao, as priority sectors for inclusive, community-driven economic development.

Productivity ecosystems for decent work

ILO welcomes Swiss mission, highlighting progress on productivity and decent work in Viet Nam

High-level delegation of Swiss Government, employers and workers reviews ILO-supported initiatives linking productivity growth with improved working conditions.

Occupational safety and health

Building a safety culture in Lebanon’s greenhouse sector

New OSH guidelines and on-site awareness sessions are helping greenhouse manufacturers and installers adopt safer practices across Lebanon.

Creating Change, One Story at a Time

Jisan’s path to independence: Learning, earning, and leading

With entrepreneurship training under the ILO ISEC Project, Jannatul Neha Jisan turned her home-based sales into a thriving boutique in Cox’s Bazar. Today, she earns a steady income, trains local girls in fabric design, and pursues higher education,...