Unlocking Sources of Global Growth: SMEs

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Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) represent about 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment worldwide, accounting for the majority of businesses worldwide.   They are important contributors to job creation and global economic development.

Formal SMEs contribute up to 40% of national income (GDP) in emerging economies.  SMEs also play a major role in most economies, particularly in developing countries. 

A key area of the World Bank Group’s work is to improve SMEs’ access to finance and find innovative solutions to unlock sources of capital.  Learn the results of their work.