Value for Women released a new research report on October 1, 2013 on under-investment in women-led small and growing businesses. The report summarizes research conducted in collaboration with the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), BiD Network, ING Bank Sustainability, and the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. The report and video were launched at the ANDE Annual Conference in Glen Cove, NY.
Value for Women’s unique approach engages key players throughout the research process, encouraging them to develop solutions during the data collection period. Literature review, expert interviews, focus group discussions, surveys, and ecosystem design workshops led to findings about the barriers to investing in women-led small businesses. Analysis of this data led also to practical recommendations for banks, impact investors, capacity developers, and associations like ANDE.