Small businesses given a helping hand onto the world stage at Expo 2020 Dubai

The question of how small businesses can make themselves competitive on the world stage is the focus of Small Business Week at Expo 2020 Dubai, which begins.

Running until 7 March, a series of events at the UN Pavilion in the Opportunity District will look at various areas where there is potential for growth, and discuss possible solutions for tackling problems.

The events are being organised by the International Trade Centre (ITC), who highlight the needs of small businesses and entrepreneurs, and provide support for them as they grow.

Events are as follows:

What’s brewing? The future of coffee

The world drinks more than three billion cups of a coffee a day, with coffee beans mainly grown by smallholder farmers in more than 50 countries. This talk will look at how, as demand increases, the sector can be transformed in a way that will have a positive impact on all those involved.

Digital trade: Opportunities for youth in the MENA region

This talk explores ways in which new technologies, IT applications and innovations can improve knowledge and skills for young people and women across the Middle East and North Africa, and contribute to addressing youth unemployment, and the social barriers facing women in the region.

Small businesses for the SDGS – photo exhibition

A collection of photos are going on display, showcasing the stories of inspiring entrepreneurs from ITC projects in developing countries, whose small businesses contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Young entrepreneurs in sport

Sports can play a role in creating opportunities for men and women both on and off the field, according to speakers at this event. There will be a sports demonstration after the talk, and an interview with Kevin Prince Milla, a footballer from Cameroon.

Investing in women

This will be a panel conversation that will explore how to reduce or eliminate the financial gap for women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Access to capital, lower investment costs, new business opportunities and increased social inclusion are amongst the topics up for discussion.

Making One Trade Africa a reality

Africa has been clear at Expo 2020 Dubai that they are ‘open for business’, as they look for new opportunities across the world. The ITC and its partners are promoting innovation and business links through the One Trade Africa programme, and this talk will look at how entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, can take advantage of current opportunities.

Text, images and video: Expo Dubai 2020.