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Implementing Client Protection in Microfinance: The State of the Practice, 2011

November 11, 2011

Based on third-party assessments, rates MFIs on preventing over-indebtedness, transparency, responsible pricing, fair and respectful treatment of clients, privacy of client data, and mechanisms for complaint resolution. Outlines next steps and challenges.

Strengthening Access to Finance for Women-Owned SMEs in Developing Countries

October 1, 2011

This report highlights key trends, challenges, and opportunities for advancing women's entrepreneurship and increasing their access to finance. Due to their high growth potential, women-owned SMEs in developing countries are of particular interest. The report therefore focuses on the presence of women-owned SMEs in developing countries across different types of enterprises, and the ability of these business owners to access finance to grow their businesses; identifies financial and non-financial institutionswith scalable approaches to increase access to finance for women entrepreneurs in developing countries; pinpoints specific knowledge gaps for which further research is recommended; and, provides policy recommendations on expanding access to finance for women entrepreneurs.

Franchising in Frontier Markets: What's Working, What's Not, and Why

December 15, 2009

Summarizes research on franchising as a way to scale small businesses and, in turn, provide jobs and economic and skills development in Africa and South Asia. Examines successful models, conditions, challenges, barriers, and synergies with microfinance.