#AccessToFinance

[perspectiveunbound]

Championing Small Businesses: The Crucial Drivers of Scotland’s Economy

The Vital Role of Small Businesses in Scotland’s Economic Fabric Hello, dear readers! Today we delve into the backbone of Scotland’s economy - small businesses. These enterprises are not only essential for economic growth but also embody the spirit of entrepreneurial freedom and innovation that is central to our national identity. Small businesses account for a substantial portion of employment in Scotland and are pivotal in fostering local economies, enhancing community cohesion, and driving innovation. With their agility, they are often quicker to adapt to market changes and customer needs than their larger counterparts. This flexibility is a significant advantage in our rapidly changing economic landscape. However, the path for small businesses is laden with challenges, especially in the current climate of economic uncertainty and shifting regulatory frameworks. Access to finance remains a critical hurdle for many small enterprises. Traditional lending parameters often do not favour the unique needs and scales of small businesses. Alternative financing, such as crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, and government grants, play an essential role in bridging this gap. Regulatory compliance is another significant challenge. Small businesses often do not have the luxury of expansive legal teams to navigate the complex web of local and international regulations. Simplifying these processes and providing clear, accessible information can empower these businesses to thrive without disproportionate strain. Moreover, the digital divide needs to be addressed. In the digital age, a strong online presence is crucial for business success. Ensuring that small businesses have access to affordable digital tools and the necessary skills training can transform their potential to compete on a broader stage. Investing in small businesses means investing in Scotland’s economic resilience and future. Enhanced support for these enterprises could include more substantial financial incentives for innovation, streamlined regulatory processes, and robust digital infrastructure development. Let's discuss: What more can be done to support small businesses in Scotland? What roles do you think local communities and governments should play in this effort? Thank you for joining today’s discussion on the vital role of small enterprises in our economy. Warm regards, Alastair Majury *Perspectives Unbound* --- *For further insights into the dynamics of Scotland’s economic landscape, follow Perspectives Unbound.*

[naija247new]

BoI, Lagos Govt, Sterling Bank Launch N10bn MSME Fund at 9% Interest to Boost Small Businesses

Lagos, May 7, 2025 (Naija247news) – The Bank of Industry (BoI), in partnership with the Lagos State Government and Sterling Bank Plc, has launched a N10 billion financing scheme to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Lagos, offering loans of up to N10 million at a single-digit interest rate of 9% per annum—without collateral. Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of…

[danaelman]

I watch women entrepreneurs pitch all over the world and they tend to gravitate to a magic number of 500K (regardless of currency) when the guys ask for over 1 million. And guess what? It’s just as hard to raise $500K as $1 million so you may as well go for the bigger number, and not have to raise another round 12 months later.

Anne Ravanona, founder of Global Invest Her

[gillievans-blog]

Project Factsheet: developed for the IDH innovative finance team on a smallholder finance deal with Barry Callebaut and IFC

[businessmindstoday]

2017 Good Practices for Financial Consumer Protection

Strong consumer protection is key in expanding #AccesstoFinance. New report outlines key elements and good practices for policymakers and regulators to follow. http://wrld.bg/W6cg30hpxp5 #financialinclusion 2017 Good Practices for Financial Consumer Protection 2017 Good Practices for Financial Consumer Protection

[heliosfinance]

Nearly all cities and towns in the Philippines now have access to financial services | via @meltlopez http://bit.ly/accesstofin pic.twitter.com/KF2Pff1wSg

Nearly all cities and towns in the Philippines now have access to financial services | via @meltlopez http://bit.ly/accesstofin  http://pic.twitter.com/KF2Pff1wSg

Nearly all cities and towns in the Philippines now have access to financial services | via @meltlopez http://bit.ly/accesstofin pic.twitter.com/KF2Pff1wSg published first on http://ift.tt/2ljLF4B