Who Benefits: Small Businesses

IFC has long recognized that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are an important part of any economy. Small businesses comprise the bulk of the private sector and drive employment in many developing countries. We therefore promote small business development through a combination of advisory and investment services, increasingly using intermediaries as a way to reach SMEs more effectively.

IFC's Grassroots Business Initiative seeks to strengthen and scale up innovative social enterprises that create sustainable economic opportunities for the poor, empowering and engaging them as entrepreneurs, consumers, employees and suppliers.

Further Reference

Environmental Business Finance Program