
Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC)
2000 M Street NW
Suite 250
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: 202-589-2600
Email: iesc@iesc.org
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When 65 million, or 40%, of all micro, small, and medium enterprises in developing economies do not have access to formal credit, the inequity becomes a major barrier to economic growth and prosperity. According to the World Bank, these same enterprises create 70% of formal jobs in emerging markets. [1] We help level the playing field for access to capital.
[1] World Bank: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/smefinance
We deliver cross-cutting services to improve financial systems and unlock capital to spur private sector growth—especially SMEs—around the world.
We work with both parties in the lending relationship—the business and the financial institutions—to bridge financing gaps. We increase the number of qualified borrowers and strengthen lending institutions.
In Lebanon, we helped form the nation’s first microfinance association, which is now organizing, advocating, and improving financial services for the most vulnerable people in Lebanon.
In Mali, we deliver pre- and post-loan assistance to women-owned enterprises to make sure they have the tools necessary to responsibly grow their businesses and repay their loans on time.
In Costa Rica, we offered long-term, tailored assistance to a solar energy company to receive a $6.5 million loan from OPIC. With financing, the company is making affordable energy much more widely available in this eco-friendly country.