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

ILO Voices | Women's entrepreneurship

Between Spain and Morocco, I built my independence

After years of working in seasonal agriculture in Spain, Fatima Laanieg took part in the ILO’s WAFIRA project, learning how to manage a business. Now, she runs her own grocery store in Morocco while continuing to work abroad for part of the year.

Just transition

A just transition that works for business is up for discussion in the Western Balkans

Employers’ organizations from Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia joined a peer-learning session in Budapest to explore how the transition to low-carbon economies can drive business competitiveness and growth

Productivity ecosystems for decent work

How strategic approaches to productivity can drive environmental sustainability and long-term economic growth

Integrating productivity and environmental stewardship in Viet Nam

ILO, the German Embassy and Iraqi Partners Launch a guarantee fund to empower SMEs and boost inclusive growth in Iraq

Credit Guarantee Fund launched to expand SME finance and create jobs in Iraq

Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises (SCORE) Programme

ILO Programme introduces AI in training for enterprises in the Philippines

The ILO’s SCORE Programme paves innovation among enterprises in the Philippines by integrating artificial intelligence and equipping them with smart, low-cost digital tools to boost productivity, workplace cooperation, and inclusive growth.

Creating Change, One Story at a Time

Country Director Designate sees endless possibilities despite complexities of humanitarian-development operations

In the coastal district of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, women and youth are gaining the skills they need to build brighter futures. The Country Director Designate for the ILO Office in Bangladesh, Max Tunon, visited project activities to see how skills...

Creating Change, One Story at a Time

From stigma to self-reliance: how skills training is blazing new trails for women in Cox’s Bazar

Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the ILO's "Leaving No One Behind" project in Cox’s Bazar equips young women and men with market-relevant, competency-based skills that support decent and sustainable livelihoods.

Creating Change, One Story at a Time

Bumi’s baskets don’t break and neither does her spirit

Bamboo shavings scatter across the floor as Bumi Rakhaine bends over her work, each cut and each weave shaping not just a basket, but a future she dares to dream of. Bumi, who lived in South Chaowfaldandi of Cox’s Bazar, is a mother, a wife, and...

Creating Change, One Story at a Time

Decent work, brighter futures: Roksana’s journey with shell crafts

On the edge of Cox’s Bazar town, in a small village called Chan Khola, lives Roksana Akhter, a woman whose life is shaped by both hardship and courage. But her life hadn’t always been so hard.

Creating Change, One Story at a Time

Cutting through barriers: Tania’s journey in a man’s world

The first time Tania picked up a saw, her hands trembled. Not from the weight of the tool, but from the weight of everyone's stares. In the bustling, male-dominated furniture market of Cox’s Bazar, a woman building a chair was something people...

Tourism

Community-based tourism in Jaflong: creating jobs and nurturing nature

The ILO, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Tourism Board, has helped launch a community-based tourism (CBT) model in Jaflong that welcomes visitors to experience the vibrant Khasi cultural heritage while ensuring community ownership and equitable...

Ghana’s employers and workers unite in a call for bold reforms to drive productivity and decent jobs

Employers and workers agree wage growth needs to follow labour productivity more closely, but the Government needs to change its tack for true economic and social transformation.

Armenia forges resilient future: green value chains in action

ILO workshops help Armenia’s local businesses and planners create green jobs, strengthen value chains and promote an inclusive sustainable economy.

Creating change, one story at a time

From muddy paths to mountain views: The human face of Himchari’s tourism

Just a few months ago, the road to Himchari waterfall was little more than a rough track - muddy and lined with neglected broken stalls. But step into Himchari Bazar today, and you will find clearer all-weather roads, public toilets, information...

Voices from ILO PROSPECTS

ILO’s Business Plan Competition fuels Hinda's entrepreneurial journey

Through the ILO’s Business Plan Competition, Hinda Mawlid Ahmed, a Somali refugee living in Ethiopia's Somali Region and mother of four, has significantly expanded her butchery business, demonstrating the transformative impact of targeted...

Supply chains - Development cooperation

Safer and healthier tea farms provide greater market access

Improving safety and market access through better labour practices in Nepal’s tea sector

Supply chains - Development cooperation

Sustainable seafood through Good Labour Practices and workers representation

Strengthening labour rights and sustainability in Thailand’s seafood supply chain.

Supply chains - Research, knowledge and practical tools

Improved working conditions and formalization of workplaces through strategic compliance

Strategic compliance in Indonesia’s palm oil sector improves worker protection and formalization

Supply chains - Policy coherence

Protecting garment workers through employment injury insurance

Bangladesh expands social protection for garment workers through employment injury insurance

Supply chains - Enabling rights

Fairer garment sector through collective bargaining

Collective bargaining strengthens worker rights and fair wages in Cambodia’s garment sector