Beyond the Threshhold: Investing in Women-led Small & Growing Bussinesses

Lack of investment in women-led small and growing businesses hinders economic growth and development.A third of all small and medium enterprises in developing countries are led by women, yet these firms receive a dis- proportionately small percentage of the already limited financing available for SMEs.1 Improving investment and capacity of women-led small and growing businesses is therefore critical for growing economies. Research suggests that in addition to the benefits of job creation, successful women-led enterprise benefits children and families, as women tend to spend a greater share of their income on education and health.