SMEs make an enormous contribution to the global economy, representing more than 90% of all businesses and responsible for 50% of employment. In emerging countries, SMEs account for up to 40% of GDP. At the heart of these invaluable businesses is accountants, who support and guide SMEs and encourage their growth and resilience. 

The Global Forum for SMEs promotes the essential role of SMEs to economies worldwide and the many ways in which professional accountants support them. As owners of small and medium practices (SMPs), these accountants are in a unique position to understand the challenges and issues faced by their SME clients. 

Drawn from a wide range of countries and professional backgrounds, the forum’s members – 80% of whom are SME owners with extensive first-hand experience of issues facing SMEs worldwide – represent SMEs and SMPs at a global level, facilitate the sharing of best practice, and develop thought leadership around issues that are important to SMEs. Recent discussions have covered talent and skills, access to finance, digital adoption, and sustainability.

Forum members represent SMEs on important bodies worldwide, including the OECD, United Nations working groups, and national accounting bodies and SME associations, making sure that the voices of SMEs and SMPs are heard and their challenges and needs understood. 

The forum also develops insight for global research and reports, as well as helping to produce useful tools and resources for ACCA members who work with SMEs.