Report on Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day and Cloudflare’s Support for Sustainable Development Goals

On June 27, the United Nations observes Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day (MSME Day) to acknowledge the vital contribution of MSMEs to the global economy and sustainable development. According to the World Bank and the United Nations, MSMEs constitute approximately 90% of all businesses worldwide, provide 50-70% of global employment, and contribute around 50% of global GDP. These enterprises are essential for driving economic growth, creating jobs, and supporting vulnerable groups including women and youth, thereby advancing multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Cloudflare’s Commitment to Empowering MSMEs Aligned with SDGs

A Startup for Startups

Cloudflare was founded in 2010 to democratize access to advanced security and performance tools, which were previously affordable only to large enterprises. This initiative supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by enabling startups and small businesses to compete effectively in the digital economy.

Key initiatives include:

1. Providing millions of free accounts to individual developers, startups, and small businesses, which helps reduce operational costs and fosters innovation.
2. Expanding free developer tools that facilitate building AI-enabled, serverless applications on Cloudflare’s global network, supporting SDG 9.
3. Investing in programs such as Cloudflare for Startups, Workers Launchpad, and the Dev Alliance to provide infrastructure, tools, and community support.

• Over 3,000 startups receive free credits to scale applications on Cloudflare’s network.
• In 2024, 122 startups from 22 countries joined the Launchpad Program, gaining access to infrastructure and community support.
• Collaboration with 40+ venture capital partners has secured over $2 billion in potential financing since 2022.

Spotlighting Innovation Across the Globe

Cloudflare supports hundreds of thousands of small businesses globally, including SaaS startups, health providers, real estate firms, and local retailers. This support advances SDG 8 and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting inclusive economic growth and innovation worldwide.

Built with Cloudflare: European Startups

Built with Cloudflare: Asia-Pacific Businesses

Cloudflare also collaborates with civil society partners in the Asia-Pacific region to enhance cybersecurity awareness and capacity building, supporting SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). For example, in 2025, Cloudflare partnered with Cyberpeace in India to conduct a webinar on cyber resilience, attracting over 95 participants. Additional in-person training sessions are planned to further support new businesses.

Enhancing Security for Small Businesses

Security remains a critical concern for MSMEs. According to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, digital information theft has surpassed physical theft as the most common fraud affecting small businesses. In 2025, Cloudflare mitigated over three million Layer 3 DDoS attacks targeting small businesses on its network.

To support MSMEs in strengthening their cybersecurity posture, Cloudflare released the Cloudflare Small Business Security Guide. This resource provides step-by-step instructions to understand and implement cybersecurity measures, helping protect businesses and their customers from cyber threats, thereby contributing to SDG 9 and SDG 16.

Cloudflare remains committed to offering robust security services free of charge to small businesses, reinforcing its mission to build a better, safer Internet for all.

Getting Started with Cloudflare for Small Businesses

Cloudflare offers a simple and fast Free plan that provides immediate access to essential tools for securing and accelerating web presence. This initiative supports SDG 8 by enabling MSMEs to thrive in the digital economy.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article highlights the importance of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in driving economic growth and employment globally.
   • It emphasizes supporting startups and small businesses to build, scale, and deploy applications, contributing to economic development.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Cloudflare’s support for startups and small businesses through developer tools and infrastructure aligns with fostering innovation and building resilient infrastructure.
   • The article showcases innovative startups using Cloudflare’s network to develop new technologies and services.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article mentions that MSMEs sustain livelihoods of women, youth, and vulnerable groups, indirectly supporting gender equality and inclusive economic participation.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Efforts to provide cybersecurity training and resources to small businesses contribute to building secure and resilient institutions and promoting safe digital environments.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all, including youth and persons with disabilities.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industries and other enterprises to financial services, including affordable credit and their integration into value chains and markets.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors, especially in developing countries.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in economic life.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, including in the digital space.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment, reflecting MSME contribution to employment.
   • Number of startups and small businesses supported (e.g., 3,000 startups receiving free credits, 122 startups in Launchpad program).
   • Amount of financing secured for startups (e.g., $2 billion in potential financing through venture capital partners).
2. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Access to financial services and infrastructure by small-scale industries (implied by Cloudflare’s support programs and developer tools).
   • Number of innovative startups using advanced technological infrastructure (e.g., AI-enabled applications, serverless applications).
3. SDG 5 Indicators
   • Participation rates of women and vulnerable groups in MSMEs (implied by the article’s mention of sustaining livelihoods of women and youth).
4. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Number of cybersecurity training sessions and participants (e.g., 95 participants in the first webinar, plans for more training).
   • Number of cyberattacks mitigated (e.g., over three million Layer 3 DDoS attacks mitigated).
   • Availability and uptake of cybersecurity resources like the Small Business Security Guide.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: blog.cloudflare.com