Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day

Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day is an occasion dedicated to celebrating the significant contributions of these businesses to the global economy. Recognising their role in fostering innovation, creating employment opportunities, and promoting local economic growth, the observance aims to raise awareness and encourage support for these vital enterprises. Important aspects of the day include showcasing successful entrepreneurs, sharing information on business support resources, and emphasising the importance of inclusive, sustainable growth.

Even though the United Nations General Assembly declared the 27th of June as the International Day of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in 2017, the Observance has swiftly gained relevance in South Africa. The country's high unemployment rate and the need to boost economic growth have highlighted the importance of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. In South Africa, these businesses contribute about 40% to the country's Gross Domestic Product and provide employment to around 7.9 million people. Given this critical role, the Observance seeks to motivate South Africans to create, support and promote these enterprises.

Typical customs and activities during the Observance in South Africa include conferences, seminars, and workshops that highlight available resources, provide business advice, and offer networking opportunities for entrepreneurs. Marketplaces showcasing products and services of local businesses are also organized, allowing communities to bolster their own economies by supporting these enterprises. In accordance with the global Observance, South Africa also celebrates Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day on the 27th of June, driving home the importance of these businesses in creating a dynamic, inclusive, and prosperous economy for all.