PROBLEM
Small to medium enterprises(“SMEs”) within South East Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, and Cambodia) account for approximately 98 percent of all enterprises, employ 66 percent of the national labor force, and, on average comprise about 30 percent of total export values. Mirroring global proportions, women-owned SMEs account for 32 to 66 percent of the more than 55 million total formal and informal micro and small to medium enterprises (MSMEs) in these countries, leading to a market of 23.9 million women entrepreneurs. In this region the proportion of women-owned SMEs that are unserved, under-served or choose not to access formal or alternative financing ranges from 79 to 97 percent1.
The decision not to seek financing is significantly driven by a lack of information or awareness of available financing options, including both traditional financing (banks), and alternative financing (angel investment, venture capital and private equity) and how different types of financing can impact their company’s growth and shareholder value.1 Woman’s World Banking
SOLUTION
We meet with each client to better understand their strategic objectives, capital needs, and growth potential. After reviewing internally, Nu will provide solutions addressing all of the client’s priorities with an emphasis on creating shareholder value. The Nu Advisory team is always striving to incorporate its four core values: Integrity – Creativity – Empathy – Knowledge, in all of the solutions they provide to our clients22 “Finance for all? Policies and Pitfalls in Expanding Access,” World Bank (2008).