Reimagining Capital for the Greater Good: A New Market for SME Financing

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are vital drivers of employment, innovation and economic resilience, yet many continue to face significant barriers in accessing the long-term capital they need to grow and create wider social value. In a period marked by global uncertainty and increasing fiscal pressure on public funding, the need for new approaches to funding these organisations—and by extension the real economy—is becoming increasingly important.

In this session, Charles Li will explore how innovative financing models can open new markets and unlock new sources of capital for SME growth. The discussion will examine how philanthropic first-loss capital can catalyse private investment, and impact funds providing patient capital and tech-enabled support can better help SMEs manage risk and grow sustainably over the long term. As impact measurement and data become increasingly sophisticated, the session will also explore how greater visibility into both financial and social outcomes can build confidence, improve accountability, and scale this new market.