ABSTRACT
This chapter is based on the hypothesis that SMEs are essential players in peace-building, as they employ innovative tools and processes that facilitate wide-ranging social change in diverse socioeconomic sectors, which are defining elements of democratic governance and central to achieving sustainable peace. The chapter seeks to dissect and understand how SMEs, as grassroots actors, impact the peace-building process, their potential, and, more importantly, their limitations in peace-building. The chapter draws upon a mixed-methods design in its collection and analysis of information, noting that SMEs need peace to thrive but, at the same time, peace needs SMEs to progress and consolidate. SMEs can be powerful advocates in breaking the conflict trap by not only generating economic opportunities but also providing hope and a future perspective for the protracted societies and can help bring stability to troubled regions through economic development.
