Authors: Anna Gincherman, Benedikt Wahler, Cathleen Tobin
Partners: IFC and FMO
Year: 2020
Non-Financial Services: The Key to Unlocking the Growth Potential of Women-led Small and Medium Enterprises for Banks” examines how financial institutions can strengthen their engagement with women-led SMEs by expanding beyond traditional credit products. The report responds to a persistent challenge across emerging markets: many women-led businesses qualify for loans, but their ability to grow is often limited by knowledge gaps, limited networks, and constrained access to business support.
The publication explores the role that non-financial services (NFS) can play in addressing these barriers. It looks at how training, coaching, advisory services, market linkages, and peer networks influence business performance and strengthen the long-term relationship between financial institutions and women entrepreneurs. By analyzing examples from multiple markets, the study makes a clear case for why NFS should be integrated into commercial strategies rather than treated as standalone add-ons.
The findings show that women-led SMEs benefit significantly when financial services are paired with targeted support that helps them formalize operations, improve financial management, and access new markets. For banks, NFS offerings help reduce risk, deepen customer loyalty, and expand lending opportunities. The report outlines common service models, commercial incentives, and implementation approaches that financial institutions can adapt to their own context.
Developed by IFC and FMO, the study highlights a growing recognition that financing alone is not enough to unlock the potential of women-led enterprises. ConsumerCentriX contributed to the research and insights behind this publication, helping articulate the value of non-financial services for banks aiming to grow more inclusive and competitive SME portfolios.
