The latest updates from ANDE and our network

All the news and announcements, stories about business ecosystems for small and growing businesses and the broader entrepreneurship and development sector.

Overcoming critical challenges, we refined our strategic focus and deepened engagement in local ecosystems—laying the groundwork for more inclusive, impactful, and sustainable entrepreneurship support.

They can promote inclusive finance and economic growth through tailored solutions.

South Africa’s bold initiative amplifies township entrepreneurs' contributions, driving inclusive growth and showcasing peri-urban innovation on the world stage.

India's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070 and ambitious renewable energy targets underscores its focus on sustainable growth. Despite significant progress, climate adaptation challenges remain. Discover how Global Business Inroads (GBI) drives cleantech and circular economy development by connecting innovators, markets, and investors through initiatives like the UK-India Net-Zero Innovation Program and Circular Fashion Platform. Using platforms like Global Technology Interface®, GBI fosters technology deployment, capacity building, and sustainable entrepreneurship, empowering businesses to scale, address environmental challenges, and create dignified jobs globally.

The ESEA team’s Scale through SCALE Workshop in Vietnam showcased valuable insights from a panel discussion centered on five key pillars: selecting the right enterprises, implementing cost-sharing to enhance performance, addressing critical challenges, leveraging evaluation for growth, and leading by example. These discussions underscore the significance of fostering a dynamic, inclusive ecosystem to empower scalable and impactful entrepreneurship across Southeast Asia.

A new research report by Mercy Corps explores the specific conditions and trends that shape the application of data for climate resilience in emerging markets.

Launching a coalition to shape sustainable procurement practices and close the $1.1 trillion funding gap for social enterprises.

To disseminate Argidius Foundation's SCALE Framework, ANDE and local partners hosted a workshop in Jakarta. Participants shared best practices, challenges, and innovative strategies to enhance BDS impact.

This November 11, 2024, discover financing strategies, engage, learn, and share to drive MSME innovation.

The EIT Climate-KIC report on East Africa’s climate innovation underscores the need for strategic collaborations to accelerate sustainable climate solutions.

A new policy framework by the Global Entrepreneurship Network and Youth Business International outlines strategic steps to empower and accelerate youth entrepreneurship, focusing on education, policy, and access to resources.

In December, join our flagship regional event to explore strategic regional approaches to support SGBs, impact investing, and innovative financing solutions.

At the Amazonian Innovation in the Bioeconomy webinar, sector leaders explored the region's vital role in climate solutions.

Addressing development challenges requires more than capital. Non-financial support and strategic guidance are essential for SGBs to thrive, creating sustainable, localized growth beyond financial investments.

Are you an ANDE member interested in helping SGBs navigate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) measurement and standards? We are putting out a call for our first working group on this topic!

BUZZEBEES CEO Michael Chen discusses the company's journey from startup to Thailand's leading CRM platform and his vision to connect the digital world.

Spark Talk: DREEM empowers young refugees in Kenya with digital skills and support, transforming online entrepreneurship into a path for sustainable change.

On this Spark Talk, TrustLaw's Emmanuele Marie Parra presents a vital resource for nonprofits: free legal expertise that enhances their operations and amplifies their social missions.

Alicia Okeyo from Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies navigates the complexities of systemic change, offering actionable insights through the Iceberg Model to reshape and measure impactful entrepreneurship ecosystems. Watch the Spark Talk.

In this Spark Talk, Davis Albohm of Stanford SEED shares original insights on creating lasting support ecosystems.

ANDE, in collaboration with the IKEA Foundation, has released comprehensive investment guides on the waste management and circularity sectors, spotlighting critical opportunities and financial strategies.

Mosambi, a platform by the Climate Collective Foundation, addresses data-sharing challenges in the ESO ecosystem, enabling startups to innovate and collaborate efficiently.

Watch this Spark Talk to discover how SaaS solutions are revolutionizing retail SGBs, driving efficiency, impact, and growth in the optical sector to improve lives across emerging markets.

FUNDES CEO Elfid Torres demonstrated in Bangkok how inclusive supply chains can drive economic growth and create shared value for all.

Unlocking Climate Solutions: How SGBs are Leading the Way in Sustainable Construction.

The ANDE Global Conference in Bangkok closed with a vibrant gala, celebrating outstanding contributors, Thai culture, camaraderie, and exciting announcements.

On Wednesday the 12th, sessions delved into how fueling progress through collaboration and innovation is critical for issues such as nutrition, gender empowerment, and systemic change.

Momentous Announcement from the 2024 Global Conference: Next year's global convening will be held in Mexico, marking the third consecutive year in the Global South.

The ANDE Global Conference in Bangkok closed with a vibrant gala, celebrating outstanding contributors, Thai culture, camaraderie, and exciting announcements.

The Global Conference showcased inspiring stories of impact, from sustainable construction to refugee empowerment. The focus was on collaboration, data-driven solutions, and unlocking capital for entrepreneurs tackling global challenges.

Thanks to the incredible efforts of our team, the unwavering dedication of our members, and the generous support from our esteemed sponsors, the ANDE West Africa Conference was a resounding success! Held for the first time in Accra, Ghana, the conference brought together over 150 participants from across and beyond the region. Together, they explored how the growth of West Africa's Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs) can be effectively facilitated by the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Upaya Social Ventures presents Green Worms. They evolved from a humble waste management initiative to a champion of women's empowerment and circular economy solutions, showcasing the transformative power of social entrepreneurship.

Unlock Impact, a women-led social venture co-founded by Aditi Seshadri empowers purpose-driven organizations through storytelling and communications. Their Comms Ninja program fosters meaningful change while creating flexible work opportunities for women.

ANDE extends its deepest gratitude to the incredible partners helping make our 2024 Global Annual Conference a reality.

Habitat for Humanity's ShelterTech Accelerator and Venture Fund supported this entrepreneur's vision to transform sewage into clean water sustainably and affordably.

A woman scavenges for recyclable materials at the Dandora dumping site on the outskirts of Nairobi. (Image: Reuters/Thomas Mukoya)

Six entrepreneur support organizations in these countries will receive $700,000 in funding through the ANDE and IKEA Foundation Partnership to catalyze investment in waste and circular economy businesses. 

CATALYZE Finance for Resilience and Deo Agro Food Hatch a Growth Plan.

Big Ideas for Small Business: Exploring Bangkok SGB Ecosystem

Impact Entrepreneurship in Bangkok: A Force for Good, Driving Social and Environmental Change.

The Waste & Circularity Investment Innovation Fund awards $300,000 to two Indian organizations.

The grant is part of a larger project by TPF to enhance impact data, metrics, and measurement to foster a more equitable and sustainable economic system.

Crafted by ANDE members and experts, the agenda continuously adapts to provide a true vision of the next Big Ideas for SGBs. It's our roadmap to an entrepreneurial future.

Connect with fellow changemakers, spark collaboration, and celebrate the power of entrepreneurship at our Halcyon reception on July 18th!

Kate Cochran to Step Down as CEO and seasoned Shruti Goel and AB Chakravarthy steped in to co-lead the organization.

Guillaume Bonnel on SIFI's mission to accelerate the mobilization of private sector capital for the achievement of the SDGs in developing countries.

Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs) are crucial for economic growth but often lack access to financing. Discover how Business Development Services (BDS) equip these enterprises with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive, fueling sustainable development and creating jobs.