ICC-WTO-ITC Small Business Champions Competition 2026

The application deadline is March 16, 2026. 

The Small Business Champions Competition was launched in 2021 by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the WTO Informal Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (MSMEs). This annual competition provides an opportunity for businesses, industry associations, chambers of commerce and non-governmental organizations to propose innovative, practical ways of helping small businesses play a more active role in world trade.

With this competition, your ideas will not only raise awareness among businesses and policymakers of the diversity and opportunities for a circular economy but will also promote best practices in supporting the sustainability and resilience of small businesses, and their participation in international trade through efficient, innovative, and zero-waste business models.

Theme for 2026: 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

Who Can Apply?

• 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

Award details

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.

Apply Now: Here’s our recently updated list of grant and funding opportunities for Startups in Africa

How to submit proposals

Proposals are open to small businesses, enterprises, industry associations, chambers of commerce and non-governmental organizations and should be submitted by March 16, 2026

Visit their official website to Kickstart your application

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