Action Pathway
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
Small and medium-sized businesses are central to economic growth across Asia and the Pacific, accounting for more than 99% of enterprises, 67% of the workforce, and 39% of GDP.
Yet many entrepreneurs are struggling with fragmented regulations, limited access to finance and investment, and workforce skill gaps. They are also under growing pressure to adapt to digital tools, cybersecurity risks, and emerging technologies such as AI. Our entrepreneurship and small business development programs help small businesses overcome these challenges, which is essential to creating jobs, raising incomes, and building more resilient local and national economies.
APPROACH
We work with businesses, chambers of commerce, business associations, local governments, and community partners to make it easier for entrepreneurs and small businesses to grow. Our programs combine research on business constraints with practical action to reduce regulatory barriers, improve access to finance and markets, expand trade and investment opportunities, and build skills in areas such as using digital tools and innovating business practices and helping with networking and mentoring. By connecting policy reform with direct support for small businesses, We work across sectors, countries, and contexts, always staying focused on local needs.
Featured Programs
Creating Pathways for Women in STEM
To help more young women move from STEM education into careers, the STEM ConnectHER program links students and early-career women across Asia with mentoring, networks, and workplace opportunities.
Providing Digital Skills to Expand Economic Opportunity
Our programming helps provide Southeast Asia’s small businesses with the digital skills they need to adapt, compete, and grow.
Expanding Digital Skills and Jobs
Digital skills can lead to better work and income generation; we provide women, youth, and informal workers in Fiji and Vanuatu with digital skills they can use to get jobs, start businesses, and access services.
Strengthening Policymaking with Data and Dialogue
We help government, civil society, universities, and communities use research and public input to develop policies that benefit all Cambodian people.