Investing in the future: ensuring women-led small businesses can thrive Najada KumbuliSophie Sirtaine June 24, 2026 This page in: English 中文

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/voices/investing-in-the-future-ensuring-women-led-small-businesses-can-thrive?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM284755 When we picture engines of economic growth and job creation, we tend to think of large multinational companies and global brands. Yet, in emerging and developing economies, it is primarily micro, small, and medium-sized businesses that play this critical role. Small and medium-sized businesses represent around 90 percent of all businesses worldwide, and account for more than half of global employment. In developing countries, these businesses are critical to economic diversity and poverty reduction, creating jobs that provide not just incomes but also purpose and dignity for people within their local communities.