Online opportunities for tech SMEs, the engines of economic recovery
Supporting the growth of small businesses Representing more than 90 per cent of all businesses worldwide, SMEs play a significant role in national economic growth and job creation, as well as offering a path out of poverty for many developing countries. This is particularly true of tech SMEs, the sources of innovative ICT-enabled solutions and the engines driving digital transformation. The ITU Virtual Digital World SME Awards and Masterclasses are an opportunity to recognize excellent innovative tech solutions, build resilience and encourage investment in tech SMEs amid the COVID-19 crisis. The Virtual SME Masterclasses are a series of expert-led, free online webinars offering practical tools, professional insights and guidance on international best practices for SMEs in productivity, pitching and scaling up. Run by experienced practitioners, the masterclasses are open to everyone and provide opportunities to learn more on the cybersecurity landscape for SMEs, build better management approaches, hone pitching skills and learn how to break into new markets. SME Masterclasses: The details The series kicks off on 11 November with experts from the International Labour Organization introducing globally-recognized management techniques with proven significant impact on enterprise level performance in “Achieving high levels of productivity and quality in your business.” This is followed by “Keeping safe in cyberspace: cybersecurity for SMEs” on Thursday 12 November, led by the Global Cyber Alliance and the Cyber Readiness Institute, focusing on the importance of cyber hygiene – and how human behaviour is just as important as software updates and strong passwords in protecting your data and business online. The International Trade Centre presents “The ultimate tech start-up guide to international expansion” on 18 November, with case studies, best practices and guidelines for tech SMEs aiming to expand internationally, entrepreneurs, tech hubs, and anyone interested in the growing tech ecosystem. The series is rounded off on 23 November with “Preparing the investor pitch deck,” a practical guide to structuring and presenting a successful investor-targeted pitch, delivered by The Startup Club. Find out more and register online here. About the ITU Digital World SME Awards The SME Masterclasses form part of the ITU Digital World SME Awards, which have been an integral part of ITU Digital World physical events since 2015, attracting growing numbers of applicants each year and providing many success stories. Like many events and ITU activities, the Awards have moved online this year.“ICTs have proved vital in helping us to adapt and respond to the challenges of living, working and learning remotely, becoming essential to the recovery of our economy and social activities.”
“This award took us to a new level, with many invitations to participate in events, and talk about our product – and we’ve been approached by several entities who would like to pilot the solution.” – Mulweli Rebolo of Ologa Sistemas, Mozambique
Applications have closed, and the finalists are set to battle it out in live online pitching sessions in front of an expert jury from 30 November, open to all to watch – and culminating in the crowning of the winners as part of the Awards Ceremony on 7 December. The event is a small but important part of strengthening SMEs and the potential for digital transformation and economic growth that they represent – for developed and developing markets alike. Join us online this November for the ITU Virtual Digital World 2020 SME Masterclasses. More global, more open, more opportunities for all.
