Inclusive Business

While exact definitions of inclusive business (IB) models vary, there is broad agreement that they integrate the poor as consumers, distributors, suppliers or employees. Many programmes engage with individual businesses to facilitate risky investments; others seek more systemic solutions, e.g. by promoting an enabling environment for inclusive business, or relying on market systems approaches to scale up and replicate successful models. This page explores debates, current practice and advice.

Additional resources on inclusive business and capacity development support are available via the Inclusive Business Action Network (iBAN).

At a glance: Short reads on inclusive business

For a 3-minute introductory video on Inclusive Business for Development by BMZ (2014), click here.

DCED publication          External publication

Three-page summary of current debates on what inclusive businesses are, whether they can effectively reach the poor, and how best to support them and measure their results.

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Two-page summary of the DCED’s extensive review of experience and evidence in this area.

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This ten-page note provides a summary of what it means to be an inclusive business. It highlights four key features that distinguish inclusive business from other business.

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Different types of support to inclusive business

Photo credits: Saira Habib/ MDF Pakistan