IFC Global SME Finance Initiative Midterm Review

This document summarizes the evaluation of the Global SME Finance Initiative, launched by the IFC to improve access to finance for SMEs in developing countries, targeting job creation and poverty reduction. The initiative has surpassed its goals in terms of projects and SME outreach, particularly in low-income countries, but faces challenges in measuring loans to women-owned businesses and in the use of risk-sharing facilities. The evaluation, conducted by Dalberg Global Development Advisors and the Beecher Analytics Group, employed data collection, pilot testing, and case studies, and recommended strategic improvements for the initiative. Additionally, the evaluation of the IFC's initiative to increase SME lending through PFIs revealed a significant increase in SME lending and job support, with a goal of 1 million jobs by 2019. The evaluation used growth rate analysis, surveys, and pilot tests, and suggested that while access to finance is crucial for SME growth and job creation, the impact varies across different contexts. Recommendations for enhancing the initiative's effectiveness include revising targets, extending investment windows, and promoting peer learning among PFIs. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: No lead department listed
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Impact evaluation; Process evaluation
• Impact methods: Theory-based methods
• Theory-based methods: Other
• Process methods: Case studies; Other; Other; Other; Other; Surveys and polling
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: June 2015

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Links to published evaluations (DEBUGGING): No final report link found.
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes