International MSME Day 2025

As June 27th marks a global celebration of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), under the theme, “Enhancing the role of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) as drivers of Sustainable Growth and Innovation” the Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) joins in recognizing the vital role that MSMEs continue to play in driving growth and development of communities and the economy of Barbados.

Collectively MSMEs account for about 60.7% of the workforce and contribute to approximately 64.1% of the country’s national added value. Across the island, Barbadian MSMEs are the key sources of employment and drivers of innovation and community transformation. But as climate and economic shocks intensify and global disruptions ripple through supply chains, MSMEs face increasing vulnerabilities due to their size and resource constraints. Strengthening the capacity and resilience of MSMEs to weather shocks has become more than a buzzword. Resilience grows stronger through forging connections and collaborations between entrepreneurs and buyers; small businesses and support agencies; and local companies and global opportunities.

Recently the Barbados Chamber, in collaboration with the UNDRR and partners across the private and public sector, hosted a Business Continuity Planning (BCP) Workshop to strengthen disaster resilience in the MSME community. The event brought together entrepreneurs, association leaders, and government representatives with a purpose to empower MSMEs to prepare, pivot, and persevere in the face of crisis.

Participants deep-dived into understanding and assessing risks, developing continuity strategies, and exchanging sector-specific insights, from safeguarding local agriculture and food systems to protecting digital retail enterprises and coastal tourism livelihoods. The workshop was a practical hands-on training aimed at building the capacity of the participating MSMEs. The owners and managers of MSMEs participating in the workshop were guided through practical BCP exercises, introduced to tailored templates, and learned how the private sector can play a pivotal role in Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS).

Emphasis was placed on embracing AI’s potential while acknowledging that cyber threats are real, particularly for MSMEs, which are often perceived as easy targets. Simple, cost-effective measures such as multi-factor authentication, antivirus software, and staff training were championed, alongside the importance of transparency to build customer trust when incidents arise. What emerged was a shared vision: resilience is not just about survival, it is about smart, sustainable growth. It is about MSMEs being heard, equipped, and supported to shape their own futures. Among the key takeaways for many of these MSME owners was the fact that business continuity planning is integral to any business in mitigating risks and serious losses that can occur from disruptions

BCCI Executive Director, Misha Lobban-Clarke notes, “Preparedness is key and we, at the Barbados Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the UNDRR are working to assist MSMEs to shift their focus from being reactive to disruptions to proactively manage risks. By being prepared and embedding resilience within their business strategies, MSMEs will future proof their businesses to weather the impact of any disruption given the uncertainty of the environment in which we operate.”

The findings and outcomes of the workshop will inform national BCP initiatives and be shared across the region via ARISE Caribbean’s new SME Resilience Hub. But perhaps most importantly, they will serve as stories of hope, innovation, and community strength, amplified here through the voices of those charting the way forward.

Today, on International MSME Day, we honour the business owners who keep their doors open in the face of hazards. We champion all MSMEs and the networks that uplift them. Let’s keep building bridges, sharing stories, and investing in each other. #MSMEDay2025 #BarbadosBusiness #MSMEResilience #ConnectToThrive

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About The Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry

For over 200 years, the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has served as a trusted voice for the Barbadian business community, actively shaping the island’s social, economic, and commercial landscape. Through strategic advocacy and stakeholder engagement, BCCI promotes sustainable economic growth and a supportive business environment. The services provided by the Barbados Chamber includes advocating for policies and initiatives that support economic growth, entrepreneurship and a favourable business climate. It offers its over 240 members across diverse sectors, business support and trade facilitation services, while facilitating B2B networking and collaboration.