Big Futures for the Smallest Firms: Finance That Works for Nano, Micro and Small Enterprises

From bustling open-air markets across Africa to family-run businesses in Asia and Latin America, micro and small enterprises (MSEs) help sustain livelihoods and foster inclusive growth. They are the backbone of economies worldwide, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs), accounting for nearly all businesses and most employment opportunities. Despite their economic importance, they remain consistently underserved by financial institutions due to systemic credit barriers, limited digital access, and policies that often prioritize larger businesses.