Locally-owned and women-led enterprises in emerging markets, often lack equitable access to funding and support needed to scale their operations and create greater impact. Just 7% of venture capital funding reaches women-owned businesses, and only 5% of off-grid solar investments in 2022 went to locally-owned enterprises.
We know from our past Inclusive work that these typically excluded enterprises are impact all-stars, on average. Locally-owned and/or women-led enterprises, on average, generate higher impact, are more inclusive, and have better customer satisfaction rates. Head to page 47 of Why Off-Grid Energy Matters 2024 for more insights.
The Inclusive Opportunity is back In 2025, this time with no limitation on sector. Thanks to funding from Soros Economic Development Fund, applications are open now – we’re looking for early-stage, locally-owned, and women-led B2C startups across any sector who are interested in fully-funded impact measurement.
“We’re excited to support 60 Decibels to provide their valuable service to partners who have not typically had access, to make the insights more representative of the wide variety of companies serving customers across the globe.”
Jitske Harms, Programme Manager at DOEN Foundation (2023 funder)
We are committed to levelling the playing field for social enterprises. The Inclusive Opportunity gives access to rich insights, enhancing visibility and funding potential for ventures.
The Inclusive Opportunity will contribute to sector insights and highlight the incredible work of impact-driven enterprises.
Investors can discover new, vetted opportunities through our third-party impact reports; streamlining due diligence and empowering informed investment decisions.
To be considered for a fully-funded survey, organizations must provide products or services directly to end-users (B2C) in developing markets and meet at least one of the following criteria.
> Locally-Owned: 51% or more of a company’s stock, partnership interests, or other ownership interests are owned and controlled by persons from the market(s) in which they operate
> Women-Led: 51% or more of the company’s Board and/or Leadership are women
> Early-Stage: taken seed funding or less and < 250,000 customers
Additionally, organizations must not have had a prior 60 Decibels survey–we’re supporting selected organisations that have not had this chance before.
Oorja Development Solutions were selected as part of the 2023 Inclusive Energy Opportunity – they are a locally-owned energy company, selling solar water pumps in India. They’ve made the Insights Report they received publicly available, so you can get an idea of the results you’ll receive if successful in taking part.
93% of their customers said using their services has led to higher income for their families. They also shared that their lives have improved through convenience and effort reduction, timely irrigation and higher crop yield. Check out all the Oorja insights uncovered below.
As a funder, you will:
> Support entrepreneurs with access to technical assistance services to scale and grow impactful businesses
> Enjoy access to 60dB Signal and discover potential pipeline opportunities
> Have opportunities to customize further research to suit your goals
If you’re interested in funding or partnering on this initiative, get in touch!
