Entrepreneurship promotion

The ILO works to strengthen inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystems through a broad range of tools and approaches, both new and time-tested. In addition to supporting entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and gender to grow their micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises, the ILO also seeks to catalyse change in the overall entrepreneurship ecosystem to encourage sustainable and large-scale growth and decent job creation for women and men. 

Recognizing the complex challenges entrepreneurs face, the ILO addresses challenges related to the overall business and policy environment, the availability of finance and required business development services (BDS), the level of human capital, the prevailing entrepreneurial culture and pervasive gendered inequalities as well as the accessibility and functioning of markets. By offering initiatives like the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Programme and the Women’s Entrepreneurship Development (WED) Programme alongside promoting inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystems, the ILO aims to empower entrepreneurs and create environments conducive to their success, ultimately driving decent job creation and inclusive economic development worldwide.