How can we strengthen micro-enterprises in value chains?

challenge description

The challenge

Micro-enterprises play an essential role in company values chains and in communities. However, many micro-enterprises are struggling to survive and have to contend with multiple challenges. There is growing recognition that no single company, government, donor, or civil society organisation can help micro-enterprises to overcome challenges by providing support on its own. To succeed in the long run, in large numbers, micro-enterprises need a supportive community of organisations working together to remove the multiple barriers to success.

The output

A Framework and Guidelines (available here) to help companies and their development partners enable micro-enterprises within value chains to thrive —and thereby improve business performance and development impact. The Framework can be used to: advocate for greater coordination and collaboration and more systemic approaches, including a more supportive policy environment; guide business’ internal organisational strategy, policies and procedures, and programme design and provide a framework for collaboration, with practical examples from participants’ combined pool of experience and their networks.

The timeframe

12 months, ending Q3 2016

event timeline

19 January: Strengthening micro-enterprise ecosystems: Learning from business An expert roundtable as part of the Microenterprise Challenge - London Read More

An expert roundtable, co-hosted by Business Fights Poverty, CARE International UK and SABMIller to inform the development of a “how to” framework by learning from the practical experience of leading businesses who are at the vanguard of designing, implementing and measuring programmes aimed at supporting micro-enterprises.

Read the Event Summary

24 March: Strengthening micro-enterprise ecosystems: Learning from business An expert roundtable as part of the Microenterprise Challenge - Washington Read More

An expert roundtable, co-hosted by Business Fights Poverty, CARE International UK, IDB, OMIN and SABMIller to inform the development of a “how to” framework by learning from the practical experience of leading businesses who are at the vanguard of designing, implementing and measuring programmes aimed at supporting micro-enterprises.

Read the Event Summary

01 April: Strengthening micro-enterprise ecosystems: Learning from business An expert roundtable as part of the Microenterprise Challenge - London Read More

Read the Event Summary

29 September: How can we strengthen collaboration in support of micro-enterprises in value chains? Online Discussion, Part of the Micro-Enterprise Challenge - Online Read More

Micro-enterprises are the lifeblood of many communities and a critical source of employment and livelihoods. To mark the launch of the new report on Thursday 29 Sept (10am ET / 3pm UK), join this online discussion with SABMiller, CARE International UK, USAID, Practical Action, Harvard Kennedy School's Corporate Responsibility Initiative, TechnoServe and Accenture Development Partnerships.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

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