We promote the sustainable development goals by building business ecosystems for small businesses that drive economic growth while prioritizing gender equality, environmental action, and decent work.
In 2019, ANDE embarked on an ambitious strategy, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to empower small and growing businesses (SGBs) to maximize their social, environmental, and economic impact. We are laser-focused on developing small business ecosystems that drive positive transformation. Within that expertise, there are three critical issues where ANDE can make a significant difference: promoting gender equality, driving climate and environmental action, and fostering decent work and economic growth.
ANDE’s initiatives leverage its unique position as the only organization that convenes the full spectrum of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, with close connectionsNED with funders, investors, capacity-building organizations, governments, and research institutions, to drive collective action that can accelerate positive impact aligned with the most pressing needs of the sector and the SDGs at the core of our strategy.
Through a systems approach, ANDE combines the power of its network with actionable knowledge, strategic advocacy and communications, and catalytic financial resources to accelerate poverty alleviation and transitions to more inclusive and green economies. Further, ANDE deploys resources as a lean 
venture would: defining a learning agenda, testing hypotheses through a diverse portfolio of activities and investments, and sharing learnings back out with the field.
ANDE cannot do this work alone. That is why we partner with strategic global and local organizations to create and implement initiatives.
The ANDE Gender Equality Initiative (AGEI) was unveiled at ANDE’s 2019 Annual Conference with a powerful mission: to champion women as leaders, employees, and consumers in the emerging market SGB sector. This global initiative serves as a rallying point for ANDE members and the broader SGB community to showcase the vital role of SGBs in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.” This initiative propels us towards a future where women’s leadership and economic participation are fully empowered and celebrated.
Launched in 2020, the ANDE Climate and Environmental Action Initiative targets the complex challenges hindering green entrepreneurs in the broader SGB sector. These businesses are crucial for scaling environmental solutions and fostering resilient economies through their contributions to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The initiative employs research, convening, training, and advocacy to bridge significant financing and capacity-building gaps for green entrepreneurs, emphasizing their distinctive needs. It aims to spotlight and boost funding for climate action leaders within entrepreneurial ecosystems. Acknowledging the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and minority groups, the initiative also prioritizes support for these communities. A key goal is to cultivate a common understanding of effective climate action and its measurement within the SGB sector.
Creating decent work is at the heart of reducing poverty and driving fair, inclusive, and sustainable development. At ANDE, we are passionate about empowering small and growing businesses to become the creators of safe, fulfilling, and sustainable work. It’s our guiding star and the key to a brighter future for all.