ABOUT

WHAT IS IT?

SME World Forum is a preeminent event providing guidance, training, and networking opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

WHY WAS IT CREATED?

We are gathering together in order to support and celebrate the resilient small business and entrepreneurial community.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Anyone with entrepreneurial passion or interest is encouraged to attend. Alongside members of the local academic community, entrepreneurs, and small businesses we are expanding this year’s Forum to invite researchers from all over the world to join us and participate in the forum for a global dialog.

HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE?

Join the event in-person or online as an attendee, speaker, volunteer, or sponsor.

For those interested in participating in the research components, the deadline to submit research papers is Sept. 24. Registration for the event ends on Oct. 15.

THIS YEAR, RE-IMAGINE Baku

The SME World Forum’s inaugural will reunite some of the most creative and emphatic world leaders of the business world, policy, academic and youth. The Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan is the main lead and will be the primary host, and this World Forum will take place from November 13 to November 16, 2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

 

The SME World Forum will target five key segments: Private Sector Companies, Startups, Policy Sector, Academic Sector, Education Sector, and Tourism & Hospitality with special dedicated sessions on youth and women entrepreneurship.

MONDAYTUESDAYWEDNESDAYTHURSDAY
Cultural Day: Pre-conference City Tours to discover BakuEntrepreneurial Education Day: To take place at 21st Century School and at least two other schools in Baku simultaneously, led by ICSB Experts to provide entrepreneurial training and development to teachers and students. Policy Day and Baku Declaration/Gala Reception: Panels with business leaders, sessions, and exhibitions about SMEs. SME Research and Workshop Day: Workshops and showcases for KOBiA small business owners, students and professors.

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Small Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Small Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan is a public legal entity that supports the development of micro, small and medium businesses in Azerbaijan, and provides support and a range of services to entrepreneurs, as well as coordinates and regulates public services in this area.

International Council for Small Business

The International Council for Small Business (ICSB) is an organization dedicated to providing knowledge, information on new developments, and useful resources to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to inspire growth and profitability.

The mission of the ICSB is to advance entrepreneurship worldwide by developing research skills, offering opportunities for career advancement, organizing live events, and initiating partnerships with community groups.