The International Society for Small and Medium Enterprises (ISSME) is a not-for-profit global organization formed for the promotion of SMEs across the globe. It has been striving to promote and coordinate international cooperation for the sustainable growth and development of SMEs.

ISSME was established in 2010 by a group of like-minded leaders from different walks of life, led by Mr. Sunil D. Sharma who has always put in his painstaking efforts to ensure effective functioning of the organization. It was an expression of their concern for the promotion of SMEs and a positive response to the need of the hour to work for the sustainable development of SMEs through effective implementation of programmes. ISSME Foundation Day is celebrated on 29 July each year.

Both logo and flag of ISSME were introduced with a view to reflect the true character of the organisation that represents concerns of SMEs worldwide and to depict the symbiotic relationship SMEs have with the new information and communications technology driven economy.

It is registered with the Government of India. It is officially recognized and entitled to exemption from Government taxes. It does not have any business activity other than those which are integral to its programmes.

ISSME strongly believes in the saying that when enough people believe that change is possible, change is indeed possible.

It is acknowledged worldwide that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the engines of economic development and industrial growth, solving the twin problems of unemployment and poverty. The challenge for small enterprises is to survive in a highly-competitive business environment and adapt to the rapid changes which globalization and advances in technology are bringing about. It is imperative for them to have access to the latest information about market conditions and new technology so that they can seize an opportunity when it presents itself.

It is here that ISSME is trying to make a difference through its efforts.

Today, promotion of small businesses as a vehicle to create new job opportunities and create national wealth appears high on the agenda of various meetings and conferences convened by the UN agencies and international organisations. It has now become clear to all policy makers and administrators that self-employment and small and rural enterprise development hold the key to the generation of new jobs.