Access to Finance. This work focuses on building the capacity of the staff of financial institutions, improving processes and systems that encourage Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) lending, helping microfinance institutions reach commercial sustainability, developing new products for micro and SME clients, and sharing best practices.

Capacity Building. These projects develop markets for vital non-financial services including training, advisory work and the provision of market information for SMEs. It also supports local consultant and entrepreneurship development programs.

Linkages. These projects typically partner with large corporations to expand the impact of foreign direct investments, particularly with IFC participation, to local communities and firms. The corporate sponsor is usually a significant contributor to the project.

Business Environment. These projects focus on strengthening business associations in terms of quality of services and in promoting private sector development.

Information Technology. We also fund innovative projects that harness the Internet or use new technologies to further SME development of such as portals that connect small-scale producers to global markets and information.