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Enterprise, Innovation & Livelihoods Initiative
Innovation and enterprise that create decent work and dignity
Empowering entrepreneurs — especially women and youth — to innovate, grow and create decent work.
Innovation and enterprise that create decent work and dignity
Why This Matters
Economic opportunity is a cornerstone of flourishing, yet women and young people remain locked out of finance, markets and networks. This initiative researches how to unlock enterprise for those too often left behind.
We study what helps small businesses start, survive and scale — from access to capital and skills to the innovation ecosystems that turn ideas into livelihoods.
By working with entrepreneurs, investors and institutions, we generate evidence that expands economic inclusion and helps create decent, dignified work at scale.
Where We Focus
The themes and questions that shape our research and programmes under this initiative.
Entrepreneurship
Researching what helps women- and youth-led enterprises start, survive and grow.
Innovation
Understanding the ecosystems and conditions that turn ideas into viable livelihoods.
Economic Inclusion
Removing the barriers to finance, markets and networks that hold people back.
What We Are Working Towards
Expand access to finance, markets and networks for underserved entrepreneurs.
Strengthen innovation ecosystems that support inclusive growth.
Advance the creation of decent, dignified work.
Inform economic policy with evidence on what drives inclusive enterprise.
Initiative at a Glance
SMEs
Enterprise focus
Youth
& women-led
85+
Countries reached
Work
Decent livelihoods
“Opportunity, fairly shared, is the surest engine of flourishing.”
Related Initiatives
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