Empowering women through small businesses: How effective are loans for female-run start-ups?

This policy brief highlights the impact that a bespoke type of microenterprise loan product offered to aspiring entrepreneurs has had on the socio-economic welfare of borrower households. Specifically, the study focuses on evaluating the impact of Kashf Ibtada-e-Karobar Karza (KIKK) using a randomised control trial (RCT). This product was offered by Kashf Foundation, a partner organisation, with the aim of offering start-up capital and training to women from low-income households who have a practical business plan and require a line of credit.