Impact

funding gap emerging markets
Inclusive finance to fight poverty

Businesses and entrepreneurs in emerging markets have the power to drive economic and social impact. Together these small and medium enterprises (SMEs) generate between 70 and 95 percent of new employment opportunities. Often their major challenge is access to finance to grow their businesses and generate jobs at a faster pace. The funding gap for SMEs in emerging markets is estimated at €4.6 trillion.

Lendahand is moving this needle by empowering everyday investors to crowdfund affordable loans to these businesses so they can thrive, create jobs, and provide a decent living to those people who need it most. With the power of the crowd we have already mobilized over EUR 150 million, positively impacting the lives of many people across the globe. See all impact results in our Annual Impact Report

Making an impact is our core business. Our aim is to be transparent about the impact you make as a Lendahand investor. Every year Lendahand publishes an Annual Impact Report where we not only show the statistics but also tell the inspiring stories of our entrepreneurs behind the numbers. Understanding our impact also allows us to assess if we are still on the right track to achieving our impact ambitions. It’s not always as simple as it may seem. Download here our impact guide about how we measure and report impact.

More information on how our portfolio companies contribute to making an impact can be found on each project page’s “Impact” tab.

Lendahand and Sustainable Development Goals

We contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.

At Lendahand, your investments contribute to the following SDGs, click on an icon for more information:

Featured impact story

5 Ways Solar Solutions Reduce The Gender Gap in Poor Households

By Charity Nyawira on 17 May 2023

Writer Charity used to suffer from a constantly agonizing sore throat. “I discovered an unexpected connection between smoky kitchens and my sore throat.” Dive into her captivating story that unveils how solar solutions are empowering women, reducing the gender gap, and revolutionizing poor households.

Read more
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