The International Society for Small and Medium Enterprises (ISSME) is a non-government, not-for-profit, leading global industry organization for micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) founded in 2010, with its headquarters at New Delhi, the capital of India. It works with members, affiliates and partners across the world for the promotion of micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). It enjoys special consultative/ observer status with concerned agencies in United Nation (UN) system like UN-ECOSOC. It also cooperates actively with several intergovernmental and international organizations like UNGC.
ISSME’s creation was driven by the strong desire to develop a global association of small businesses and their support institutions for the sustainable and inclusive growth of SMEs without getting influenced by any government. It tries to achieve this goal through myriads of activities such as articulating the concerns of SMEs at all relevant forums, dissemination of knowledge & information, organization of tailor-made training programmes, conferences/ seminars to create better understanding of topical issues that SMEs face and networking opportunities, lobbying for pro-SMEs policies & programmes, catalyzing international cooperation for reinforcing SMEs, etc.
ISSME brings together policy makers, experts, academics, researchers and SME entrepreneurs from around the world. They use this platform to share their experience, knowledge and expertise in their respective fields. ISSME builds synergies between the activities of SMEs support institutions across the world and the enabling framework and programmes of governments and Non-Government Organisations working for the promotion of the sector.
ISSME is an ISO 9001:2008 certified organization which necessitates it to consistently provide services that meet the expectations of its members as well as applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. ISSME is authorized by the Government of India to issue Certificate of Origin (non-preferential) to the Indian exporters.
ISSME members and affiliates comprise Governments & Small Business Administrations, SME Promotional/Nodal Agencies, Banks & Financial Institutions, Industry Associations/ Federations/ Councils/Networks, Public Sector Undertakings, Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Economic Research Institutions, Universities, Regional Bodies/Groups, Academic Institutions, INGOs, Development Organizations for SMEs, Research & Training Institutions, Small Business Development Centers, Science & Technology Parks, Students, Researchers, Small Business Enterprises and Large Stakeholder Organizations safeguarding the interests of their respective sectors for SMEs. ISSME affiliates are located at different parts of the world designated as Honorary Permanent Representatives and Senior Advisors.
The ability to interact and connect with one another through ISSME provides its members, affiliates and partners an opportunity to enrich and expand their contributions to the global business community. These personal and professional contacts in other countries and across cultures give ISSME members, affiliates and partner an advantage in the global marketplace.
We are living in knowledge economy, where knowledge is the essence of doing business. ISSME, which is supported in its endeavour by a pool of experts in their respective fields being part of its worldwide network, promotes the development of knowledge in all areas of business theory and practice.
ISSME primarily focuses on strategies and policies proven to be effective in sustained growth of SMEs. It ensures business cooperation amongst enterprises in different countries by helping with technology transfer and trade promotion. Its long list of functions includes gathering and sharing of information on policies and programmes; identifying centres for training of entrepreneurs and personnel employed by them and providing adequate marketing opportunities to small businesses by enabling their participation in global events. It also undertakes studies and research on various aspects which are crucial for small businesses.