Although more policies and programs are arising to address the needs of the growing number of women business owners and their enterprises worldwide, access to finance is still the single biggest obstacle facing women entrepreneurs. Both IFC and Kauffman Foundation are committed to supporting the development of women-owned enterprises and facilitating their access to tools for economic growth. IFC and the Kauffman Foundation commissioned research on creative and effective programs, providing access to financing for women business owners through commercial banks and microfinance initiatives around the world.