Value for Women (VfW) is a social enterprise that operates globally to help SGBs, investors, and other SGB ecosystem actors in different regions bring gender inclusion into their operations in a very practical and concrete way.
2019 was a promising year for the small and growing business (SGB) ecosystem. The recently released State of the Small and Growing Business Sector report from ANDE shows that a wide variety of investment vehicles were launched last year, committing capital close to $3 billion.
GoMassive Earth Network is an investment network that enables private capital investments in sustainability startups focused on solving pollution and climate change. The network brings access to capital, mentorship, and validation of ideas through its partnerships with research labs, tech academia, and policy think tanks.
In an exclusive interview with Aupa, ANDE Brazil chapter manager Cecilia Zanotti comments on the organization’s actions and the importance of having more women leaders in the business world.
In recent weeks, a spotlight has been shown on racial injustice, although the problem has persisted for centuries.
Intellecap, the advisory arm of The Aavishkaar Group, focuses on building businesses that can benefit underserved populations across Asia and Africa. Intellecap provides a range of consulting, research and investment banking services designed to make markets more equitable and inclusive.
As American small businesses continue to be squeezed by the fallout of the COVID-19 crisis, it is increasingly clear that the approximately $659 billion already committed by Congress won’t be enough. It is similarly unlikely that unprecedented spending by governments will be enough to turn back the tide in Europe and elsewhere. But as bad as things are for the private sector in the wealthiest nations, an even greater disaster looms over the small and growing businesses that represent the economic engine of the developing world—with no bailout in sight.
In May, the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs announced that its new Advancing Women’s Empowerment Fund will offer grants to eight organizations. With support from the US Agency for International Development and the Visa Foundation, the $1.2 million fund will target the finance gap for women-led small and growing businesses in South and Southeast Asia.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, fosters sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private sector investment, mobilizing capital in the international financial markets, and providing advisory services to businesses and governments. IFC helps companies and financial institutions in emerging markets create jobs, generate tax revenues, improve corporate governance and environmental performance, and contribute to their local communities. The goal is to improve lives, especially for the people who most need the benefits of growth.
Fund will distribute up to $1.2 million in grant capital across eight winning proposals out of a pool of more than 180 total applications.