The SME Finance Forum (SMEFF) was established in 2012 by the G20 and is managed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. Our objective is to scale SME finance for job creation and economic growth. As the leading SME finance network globally, we steer industry innovations, support replication of best practices, steer policy advocacy, and foster global knowledge transfer. We also power our global peer learning membership network by connecting them with relevant partners, investors and policymakers.
200 million businesses worldwide need financing to invest, grow and create new jobs
200 million businesses worldwide need financing to invest, grow and create new jobs
SMEs Account For
9 out of 10 of business
Half of GDP
Two-thirds of job worldwide
History
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.
Our mission is to accelerate access to finance for small and medium business worldwide by promoting knowledge exchange, policy change, and new connections.
What We Do - The Three Pillars
Learn
- Webinars, communities of practice and trainings
- Global and regional events
- Members’ Portal for exclusive resources
- Surveys and SME data sets
- Online library and Publications
- Innovation Hubs
- Leader Dialogue Series
- LinkedIn discussions
Link
- SMEFF facilitated Contacts Brokering - Industry networking - SME Finance Virtual Marketplace - Immersion Programs and study visits
- Investor matching
- Development sector access
- High profile events access
- Supporting leads generation
Lead
- Connecting industry with policymakers - Profiling member innovation - Policy advocacy at G20, AFI, APEC/ABAC, Basel, OECD - Global SME Finance Awards
- Global SME Finance Forum Event
- Expert roundtables
Our Impact in 2023
78%
of members reported gaining new knowledge
36%
of members made new business partnerships
12%
made or received new investments
37%
engaged in productive dialogue with policy makers
Member Testimonial
The knowledge we’ve gained from being a member of the SME Finance Forum, and the relationships we’ve developed, particularly with fintechs, has been invaluable.
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