Plenary 2A: Innovative pathways for systemic SME financing

Small enterprises thrive in systems, not in isolation. These systems include value chains, enabling public services, as well as financial and non-financial business services. Over the past 20 years many compelling cases for value chain integration have been published. However, when it comes to access to financial services, many system facilitators may still feel frustrated with a ‘conservative’ financial sector.

In response to the challenges of financing the ‘missing middle’ (read small enterprises), financiers have developed innovative finance pathways and practices to include these.

This plenary kicks off four finance sessions. The plenary will focus on explaining what makes small enterprise financing complex and which innovative pathways (finance sources, actors, practices) are being developed that can support systemic development moving forward.

The session will be led by Rory Tews, independent consultant and Harald Bekkers from the DCED Secretariat.

Photo Credits: Stephen Dawson