Building Markets
We build inclusive economies for small businesses so that all people have the opportunity to rise.
Building Markets addresses inequality by advancing economies that work for all. We do this by opening opportunities for small business owners around the world to transform their lives and communities. That’s because 70% of the world's jobs come from small businesses, yet many owners are excluded from markets because of their backgrounds or circumstances.
At Building Markets, we contribute to a thriving global marketplace by creating pathways to social and economic impact where they’re needed most. To ensure people everywhere can rise, we:
- Power an online marketplace for buyers and suppliers to connect and create opportunities
- Deliver unique, customized data on small businesses
- Provide specialized training to small business owners
- Expand critical access to finance through a Working Capital Fund
Since 2004, Building Markets has combined its deep local knowledge, comprehensive data, and global networks to build confidence and strength in more than 27,000 small business owners affected by crises and marginalization. From securing $1.4 billion in contracts or loans to creating more than 74,000 full-time jobs in places where they’re needed most, Building Markets is elevating small businesses as engines of enduring social impact and economic growth.
Fundraisers
Official fundraiser
Help Refugees Rebuild Their Lives and Livelihoods
Right now there are 3.4 billion people in the world right now who are economically vulnerable, and nearly half of them are one crisis - inflation, climate, war, disease - away from falling into poverty. One of those women is Fatimah*, a refugee who lives in Türkiye. Fatimah runs a small business that supports her family, but her home was destroyed in the February 2023 earthquakes. Like thousands of refugees in Türkiye, she is still living in temporary housing. She has struggled to keep her business afloat, and recently told our team that her tent suddenly flooded and she lost her entire inventory overnight. Building Markets is committed to helping refugee small business leaders, like Fatimah, who work hard to provide for their families with the resources, training, and market connections they need to start and grow their businesses. Right now, we have a generous group of donors who will match all gifts totalling up to $75,000 through the end of the year. Would you consider making a year-end gift that can support activities like business planning courses, mentorship, and direct cash to help people in need rebuild their livelihoods? _
*Name changed to maintain anonymity.
- Raised
- $0
- Goal
- $75,000
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