Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE)

The organisation fosters connections through various events, including member meetings, webinars, workshops, and informal gatherings, where members can network and exchange insights. It facilitates personalized introductions among members, promoting collaborations and partnerships within the small and growing business ecosystem. Collaborating with other regional chapters, it conducts dialogues to share knowledge and network across different regions, strengthening the ecosystem throughout the area.

The organisation ensures ongoing knowledge sharing by providing frequent updates on events, opportunities, and publications to stakeholders in the small and growing business community through monthly chapter updates and active promotion on various platforms. It seeks partnerships to amplify the narrative of small and growing businesses and showcase the impactful work of its members.

The organisation conducts research initiatives aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of support systems for small and growing businesses (SGBs) and nurturing vibrant entrepreneurial environments. ANDE undertakes comprehensive regional studies, offering substantial insights and value to its members. Recent research efforts have focused on topics like women's entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and climate action, tailored to the specific context of the Indian subcontinent. This research aids in advancing knowledge and strategies for fostering SGB networks and understanding trends in the sector.

The organisation offers consistent funding opportunities to both its members and non-members, aimed at bolstering resources for entities supporting small and growing businesses (SGBs) in developing economies. These initiatives ensure efficient utilization of ANDE member expertise while encouraging creative and collaborative investments in SGBs. The funding opportunities seek to uncover the ways in which SGBs contribute to poverty alleviation and economic growth. Recent regional opportunities, such as the Advancing Women’s Empowerment Fund (AWEF) and SGB Evidence Fund, exemplify this commitment to driving impactful investments and empowering SGBs in the region.

The organisation organises learning sessions covering diverse subjects such as small and growing business (SGB) finance, women's entrepreneurship, and talent within the SGB sector. These sessions include training on metrics measurement, entrepreneurship support, gender-lens incorporation in acceleration/incubation, and other relevant topics. ANDE prioritizes promoting impact measurement and management within its network, advocating for knowledge sharing and the adoption of standardized performance metrics. It actively supports the exploration of innovative methods and tools to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of measurement practices in the sector.