⏰ Deadline: March 16, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 ICC-ITC-WTO MSME Group Small Business Champions Competition. 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.
Eligibility
- 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 Program Requirements 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.
Award
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.
