Micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are a cornerstone of economic growth, yet many lack access to the finance they need to start, sustain, and scale their businesses.
MSMEs account for the majority of businesses and employment globally, but significant gaps in small business finance persist. Many small businesses—especially in emerging markets—face barriers to accessing SME banking services, credit, and working capital.
Limited access to finance for small businesses constrains growth, reduces resilience, and restricts job creation. Traditional financial institutions often struggle to serve smaller enterprises due to high costs, limited data, and perceived risk.
Expanding access to small business finance requires new approaches, including fintech for MSMEs, digital financial services, and innovative models such as embedded finance for SMEs and SME lending fintech solutions.
Accion works across investment, advisory, and partnerships to strengthen MSME finance ecosystems—supporting financial institutions and fintechs to expand access, improve underwriting, and scale responsible, inclusive financial services for small businesses.
How we work
We aim to expand SME finance by strengthening the systems that enable small businesses to access responsible, affordable, and relevant financial services. We work across investment and advisory partnerships to advance SME banking, improve access to finance for SMEs, and support fintech for small businesses—helping institutions design and scale solutions that drive growth, resilience, and small business empowerment.
$5.7 t
Unmet demand for MSME finance in emerging markets limits growth, job creation, and economic resilience.
50%+
MSMEs are the largest source of jobs worldwide and a key driver of economic participation.
90%
MSME form the backbone of economies but face persistent barriers to accessing finance.
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