INTRODUCTION
ADB is organizing the Launch Seminar of the Asia Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Monitor (ASM) 2026 Edition addressing the theme “Financing Growth Capital for MSMEs and Startups amid Global Uncertainty” on 10 December 2026 at Jakarta, Indonesia. The ASM is a signature knowledge product published annually by ADB. It supports ADB’s developing member countries in promoting evidence-based policy design for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) development by providing a unique data platform and delivering high quality analyses on MSMEs. Past editions are available at: https://www.adb.org/publications/series/asia-small-medium-sized-enterprise-monitor.
The seminar will demonstrate key findings from the ASM 2026 edition; discuss challenges on MSME operations against the Middle East Crisis and how governments can respond to this for sustainable MSME development toward resilient national growth; and explore ways to deliver growth capital for viable MSMEs and startups, identifying challenges on developing new financing schemes including digital finance solutions and policy actions for broadening alternative financing options for growing small businesses.
OBJECTIVES
At the end of the seminar, participants will have:
- familiarized themselves with emerging trends in MSME development, access to finance, and relevant policies and regulations in Asia and the Pacific;
- identified key policy issues on MSME development amid the deepened global trade uncertainty in the region; and
- encouraged policy discussions on new, innovative ideas to deliver growth capital for early-stage MSMEs and startups nationally and regionally.
TARGET PARTICIPANTS
- Government authorities responsible for MSME development and access to finance;
- Central banks and financial institutions serving MSMEs;
- Private sector communities, including chambers of commerce and MSME/business associations;
- Academia, researchers, and experts in the field of MSME development and finance;
- Bilateral and multilateral organizations (development/aid agencies, international organizations, NGOs, etc.); and
- ADB staff responsible for MSME projects.
HOW TO REGISTER
By invitation or prior arrangement with ADB. For those who have an interest in this event, please fill in Asia SME Monitor 2026 Launch Registration Form on or before Wednesday 25 November 2026. General participants who register through this site (non-invited/nominated participants) and wish to attend the event in person are suggested to manage their participation costs by themselves.