Building Markets
Building Markets addresses inequality around the world by advancing inclusive economies that work for all. We do this by opening opportunities for small business owners — who fuel more than 70% of the world’s jobs — to transform their lives and communities. Since 2004, Building Markets has combined its deep local knowledge, comprehensive data, and global networks to build confidence and strength in more than 27,000 small business owners affected by marginalization. From securing $1.4 billion in contracts or loans to creating more than 74,000 full-time jobs in places where they’re needed most, Building Markets is elevating small businesses as engines of enduring social impact and economic growth.

Purpose

To build inclusive economies for small businesses so that all people have the opportunity to rise.

Radha Rajkotia

Chief Executive Officer, Building Markets

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RESOURCES
Case Study
Empowering Inclusivity: Unlocking the Economic Potential of MSMEs in Colombia
Building Markets is pleased to present this report on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Colombia, with a particular emphasis on those owned by migrants and internally displaced persons (IDPs). The primary goal of this report is twofold. First, we aimed to provide an overview of the state of MSMEs in Colombia, particularly those owned by migrants and IDPs. Through extensive research, we sought to understand the barriers and needs that these businesses face to gain valuable insights that will inform Building Markets’ future interventions to support and empower them. Second, we endeavored to characterize and analyze the ecosystem of public, private, and cooperative actors working with and offering programs to MSMEs belonging to the aforementioned populations. By understanding the landscape of actors and interventions, we can identify opportunities for both Building Markets and peer organizations to make a meaningful impact in this vital sector.
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Operational Tools Toolkits and Manuals
The Circular Economy Toolkit: Empowering SMEs Toward Sustainable Development
The circular economy is gaining global momentum. Competition globally has increased, and regulations, technological innovation, and social and environmental concerns are changing how enterprises do business today. Governments and organizations of all sizes, from multinationals to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), are building action plans and strategies to eliminate waste and pollution and protect our communities and ecosystems. But how do MSMEs move away from business as usual? Often, companies do not know where to start, or they find the transition to be complex. Simple solutions that replace circular inputs from supplies that have or can be recycled are an excellent place to start. This Toolkit aims to help MSMEs embrace the circular economy and sustainability, improve resource efficiency, and grow in sustainable and resilient ways. The Toolkit explains why taking care of the environment and society can be profitable for businesses while avoiding future climate-related risks. It provides the tools, processes, and rationale to understand, design, validate, and implement circular economy strategies and business models into the organization and value chains.
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Data
Rapid Needs Assessment: The 2023 Earthquake’s Impact on Syrian SMEs in Türkiye
This report shares the results of a rapid needs assessment of Syrian-owned small and medium-sized (SMEs) enterprises in Building Markets' Türkiye network that operate in the areas of the country affected by the February 6, 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquake. The rapid needs assessment aims to understand the earthquake's impact on SMEs, their business operations, and their most pressing needs.
Availability : Free
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Case Study
Business Survival Analysis of Syrian-owned Enterprises in Türkiye
The primary objective of this report is to examine the Syrian-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Türkiye, uncover their success and failure factors, and make recommendations for future business founders.
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SDG Focus Areas :
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Recognizing it will take alignment of all our organizations to scale impact globally, we invite you to join the movement as a Steward of Inclusive Capitalism. Together, the collective action of Council members will contribute to a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable future for all people and our planet.