We invest in small business as the engine of inclusive economic growth

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) create inclusive economic opportunities, foster quality jobs, and drive community development. In the US, small businesses employ almost 50% of our nation’s workforce and account for over 60% of new jobs created since 1995. Internationally, SMEs in emerging markets create 7 out of every 10 jobs. However, SMEs continue to face limited access to financial products and services, as they are usually too large to receive microfinance loans and too small for bank loans. This issue has worsened due to large-scale bank consolidation and the decline of community banks, which are a traditional source of small business lending in the US. In emerging markets, SMEs face an unmet financing need of $5.2 trillion every year.

We support intermediaries, such as CDFIs in the US and SME lenders globally, that develop quality products and services to help SMEs meet their financial needs, grow their businesses, and create quality jobs.

Learn more about our Small Business Recovery​ work and check out our additional Small Business news, features, and resources below.