Washington, D.C. November 6, 2018 – Accion became the newest member of the SME Finance Forum, a global membership network that brings together financial institutions, technology companies, and development finance institutions to share knowledge, spur innovation, and promote the growth of SMEs.
“200 million businesses worldwide need financing to invest, grow and create new jobs. We are proud to have Accion join our network of 150 members who work to expand access to finance for small and medium businesses,” said Matthew Gamser, CEO of the Forum.
Accion began in 1961 as a small grassroots community development initiative in Venezuela and is now a global nonprofit supplying financial tools to individuals to improve their lives. Accion focuses on finding and growing seed-stage financial technology startups that meet the needs of the underserved. The organization helps financial service providers maximize their impact, as well as challenge and engage the financial inclusion industry to protect and empower their clients.
“Accion is dedicated to promoting access to finance for small and medium enterprises,” said Michael Schlein, President and CEO of Accion. “By working with a range of partners including MFIs and fintechs, we offer affordable, convenient, and appropriate financial products and services to SMEs operating in developing market contexts. We look forward to participating in the SME Finance Forum to engage with our peers in the SME inclusion space.”
Accion exist to foster a robust global industry dedicated to meeting the financial needs of those excluded from economic opportunity.
To see all SME Finance Forum members, please visit: https://www.smefinanceforum.org/members/member-list
About SME Finance Forum
The SME Finance Forum was established by the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) in 2012 as a knowledge center for data, research and best practice in promoting SME finance. As an implementing partner for the GPFI, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) was tasked with managing the initiative. In 2015, the SME Finance Forum partnered with CapitalPlus Exchange to expand and upgrade the former Small Business Banking Network.
About Accion
Accion was founded in 1961 and is a 501 (c) 3 public charity under the United States tax code. The organization provides support to individuals, small businesses, and communities by creating well-run, mission-driven, and efficient organizations that achieve scale, impact, and returns. Accion focuses on creating initiatives that foster a financial ecosystem that works for the world’s underserved families and businesses.
Media Contact
Carmen Smith
csmith11@ifc.org
