Three white papers by the International Trade Centre to inspire action

Small businesses are the backbone of our economies, but in today’s fast-changing world, they face rising challenges. Whether it’s for going digital, becoming greener, or securing the capital to grow, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need supportive environments to thrive.

At the first-ever Global SME Ministerial Meeting, taking place in Johannesburg on 22- 24 July 2025, policymakers will shape a new vision for SME development. 

To guide this effort, ITC has prepared three white papers: 

• Fostering access to finance for small businesses

• Fostering digital transformation for small businesses

• Fostering green competitiveness for small businesses

Each paper draws on global best practices and proposes a thematic Action Plan with concrete suggestions to increase affordability, close skills gaps, and create supportive regulatory frameworks. 

Access to Finance Action Plan

Access to finance is a fundamental enabler of small business resilience, innovation and growth. Yet, 43% of businesses report difficulties securing finance, rising to 57% among micro firms, according to ITC data. 

The Action Plan calls for:

• Increasing affordability: Governments should expand the range of financing instruments beyond traditional bank loans; reduce risks for lenders and lower borrowing costs for SMEs by leveraging digital technologies; make finance more accessible, affordable and tailored to SME needs by incentivizing public-private synergies. 

• Closing the skills gaps: Strengthening financial literacy among SMEs and raising awareness about their specific needs among credit officers are essential steps to ensure that entrepreneurs can access and effectively manage financial resources.

• Creating a supportive regulatory framework: Countries should update their policy and regulatory frameworks to take advantage of and incentivize innovative financial models, and enable a more dynamic financial ecosystem, with solutions better adapted to SME needs.

Digital Transformation Action Plan

In today’s global economy, digital transformation is essential for small businesses to boost productivity, access new markets, and stay competitive. More than 80% of companies report increased sales and reduced costs from digital adoption, according to an ITC survey. 

Yet many firms struggle to adopt digital tools due to their country’s low level of digital readiness. 

The Action Plan recommends:

• Increasing affordability: Governments should prioritize policies that close digital gaps, making technology more accessible and affordable for SMEs, as well as encourage public and private investment in broadband expansion.

• Closing the skills gap: Measures to enhance digital literacy and capabilities are of utmost importance to promote greater digitalization and accelerate the use of digital services and tools. For this, facilitate private sector-led training and foster digital talent mobility.

• Creating a supportive regulatory framework: Countries should update regulatory frameworks to create seamless digital trade ecosystems adapted to SME needs and adopt a risk-based approach to ease SMEs compliance.

Green Competitiveness Action Plan

Taking green action is not just good for the planet, it is a smart business move. ITC data shows that 80% of firms investing in climate mitigation measures reported new opportunities, especially in terms of market access. 

To support SMEs’ shift to more sustainable practices, the Action Plan prioritizes:

• Increasing affordability: Governments must prioritize policies that strengthen access to green finance and make the transition to sustainable practices affordable for SMEs. That means introducing targeted financial incentives and promoting affordable green technology.
   
• Closing the skills gap: Initiatives that enhance green skills among people, businesses, business support organizations and trainers are crucial to build a labour force fit for a green transition. For this foster partnerships and develop green business support programmes.
   
• Creating a supportive regulatory framework: Countries must simplify and streamline environmental regulatory frameworks to support the integration of SMEs into the green economy. For this, ensure balanced and coherent environmental regulations, establish mechanisms to incentivize environmental action and improve coordination.

Ministers responsible for small business affairs are uniquely positioned to champion this transformation—whether through targeted actions within their mandate or by promoting the agenda across government. 

With the right policies in place, SMEs can become more productive, sustainable, and resilient, benefiting not only themselves but entire economies.