ICC-ITC-WTO MSME Group Small Business Champions Competition 2026

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Applications are open for ICC-ITC-WTO MSME Group Small Business Champions Competition 2026. The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the World Trade Organization’s Informal Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (WTO MSME Group) in partnership with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), invite candidates to share innovative solutions and initiatives that help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for international trade.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly reshaping global trade, offering MSMEs powerful new ways to optimize supply chains, reduce costs and overcome longstanding trade barriers. AI-driven tools now provide real-time analytics, track shipments, anticipate disruptions and enhance compliance capabilities to meet international trade regulations. This transformation is especially important for smaller businesses, as it can help them to navigate complex and constantly changing market dynamics.

This year’s Small Business Champions Competition is seeking projects that not only harness AI to streamline supply chains and reduce transaction costs, but also empower small businesses to compete more effectively on the global stage. Proposals should build upon proven models and emerging AI technologies to ensure that MSMEs worldwide can fully benefit from this digital revolution in trade.

Goals of the Initiative

Raise awareness among businesses and policymakers of the diversity and opportunities for AI tools to support MSME international trade.
Showcase new approaches and solutions that help MSMEs adopt AI for global commerce.
Promote inclusive participation of small businesses in international markets through accessible and effective AI-enabled trade support.

ICC-ITC-WTO MSME Group Small Business Champions Benefits

Gain international recognition through a prestigious competition organised by the WTO, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the International Trade Centre (ITC).
Join global conversations and events focused on AI and trade, including an invitation to engage with partners such as the International Telecommunication Union.
Promote your initiative across international platforms and networks, increasing visibility among policymakers, partners and potential collaborators.
Access training and mentoring discussions based on your initiative’s needs.

Prize

The main award for the winning proposal will be an invitation from the ITU to participate in the AI for Good Global Summit on 8 July 2026.
The winner will join a fireside chat with competition organizers to discuss the use of AI to support international trade.
This also includes a Speaker Summit pass, providing the opportunity to attend all sessions, network with global AI and trade experts, and showcase the winning initiative on an international stage.
Training and mentoring opportunities will be discussed with each winner according to their needs, while winning submissions will be promoted by the ICC, ITC, ITU and the WTO MSME Group through their communication channels.

Eligibility Criteria for ICC-ITC-WTO MSME Group Small Business Champions

Small businesses developing innovative AI solutions designed to help MSMEs unlock the full potential of AI technologies.
Industry associations, chambers of commerce, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or similar entities providing training, capacity building, or support services to MSMEs in AI and international trade.
Partnerships involving any of the above.

They are looking for

AI-powered solutions that facilitate international trade for MSMEs
Training programs, workshops, or campaigns that teach MSMEs how to use AI to enhance their capability to trade internationally.
Other proposals with a clear link to small businesses, international trade and artificial
intelligence