A Collective Force for Inclusive and Sustainable Development
Become A Member The Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) is a global network of organizations that believe small and growing businesses (SGBs) are essential to building inclusive and sustainable economies. Our members work across the Global South to unlock entrepreneurship’s full potential as a driver of jobs, innovation, and resilience.
ANDE connects and equips those who enable entrepreneurs to thrive — from accelerators and investors to policymakers and researchers. Together, we’re strengthening the systems that allow small businesses to grow and communities to prosper.
Why Join ANDE
Membership in ANDE means becoming part of a collaborative community committed to scaling impact through entrepreneurship.
As a member, you will:
- Connect with a trusted global network of entrepreneurship support organizations, investors, funders, and development partners operating in more than 150 countries.
- Access evidence and insights that help you demonstrate and amplify your impact through shared learning, data, and research.
- Collaborate with peers through thematic working groups, regional chapters, and targeted initiatives that address systemic challenges in the SGB sector.
- Strengthen your organization’s capacity with funding opportunities, tools, training, and knowledge resources designed to help you better support entrepreneurs.
- Shape the future of the sector by engaging in collective advocacy and ecosystem-building efforts that influence policy and investment worldwide.
ANDE advances entrepreneurship for development through two core pillars:
- Building Member Capacity – We equip members with the knowledge, connections, and tools they need to deliver more effective support to small businesses.
- Strengthening Local Entrepreneurial Ecosystems – We foster collaboration, conduct research, and advocate for policies that enable entrepreneurs to scale sustainably.
Our work is guided by evidence, local leadership, and a belief in the power of collective action.
Vision
Thriving small and growing businesses powering inclusive and sustainable development worldwide.
Mission
To unlock the potential of small and growing businesses by connecting the people, knowledge, and resources that make entrepreneurial ecosystems work.
ANDE members generally fall into the following organizational categories
Entities that provide business development and advisory services to SGBs.
Private sector entities that engage SGBs or SGB intermediaries via their business, research, or philanthropic activities.
Local, national, or multinational public sector entities that support entrepreneurship through grant-making and other means.
Private foundations and grantmaking nonprofits that provide grant capital to the SGB ecosystem, both to SGBs directly and to SGB intermediaries.
Funds or financial entities that provide capital to SGBs in developing economies. Investments include debt, equity, and quasi-equity and are generally between USD $20,000 and $2 million. In addition, some investor members also provide capacity development services.
Organizations that provide consulting, research, and advisory services as the main mission of the organization.
Learn more about the benefits of ANDE membership, application process, and how to leverage your membership.