Unemployment and poverty are major problems in many parts of the world. A large number of youths, who form the bulk of the population, and many of them well-educated or trained, cannot find jobs and remain poor and vulnerable.

Small businesses create most jobs worldwide. The businesses create jobs at a lower cost or investment per job than large businesses and build stronger links with the local economies in the use of local resources, skills and markets. Whereas some create jobs for their owners, others create jobs for other people as well, and promoting businesses creation provides opportunities also for those still wanting salaried jobs.

Entrepreneurship, associated with small businesses, is therefore seen as the way of the future in sustainable job and employment creation, and economic growth.