I have many friends who run their own small businesses, in Europe, Australia, and Asia. They include dental clinics, restaurants, small travel agencies, and manufacturing businesses. All have been forced to close.

Small businesses are incredibly important, both socially and economically. In 2019 the ILO published a report, Small Matters which showed that small economic units with up to 49 employees account for approximately 70 per cent of global employment. Their contribution to GDP is significant. So small really does matter.

“We celebrate the signing of this agreement whose objective is to train and empower women entrepreneurs in Paraguay. The COVID-19 pandemic is hitting our economies hard and this initiative is an opportunity to generate sources of employment," said Secretary General Almagro.

“Small businesses across the Hemisphere serve as the lifeblood of our communities. Supporting them is not only about supporting the economy — it’s also about supporting lives. We must help them weather the pandemic and adapt to the new post-pandemic reality. Their success will be our success,” said the Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro.