NextBillion - A WDI Publication

Women entrepreneurs are redefining the care economy by pioneering essential services that address the growing global demand for child, elderly, and disability care. The economic potential is immense: targeted investments in the care economy could generate up to 299 million jobs globally by 2035. Yet scaling these businesses sustainably requires more than financing—it demands strong operational foundations, quality service delivery, and enabling regulatory environments. In many markets, formal standards and support systems remain absent or nascent, leaving care businesses to navigate complex risks largely on their own. This webinar explores what it takes to build care businesses that are not only financially viable, but also resilient, trusted, and positioned for long-term growth and impact.

Drawing on operational experience and emerging knowledge, this session will explore how to strengthen business models in the care sector, and the role of financial intermediaries in supporting women-owned and women-led SMEs (WSMEs). The session will feature three presentations: a review of the latest evidence on what works to support and scale care businesses (Innovations for Poverty Action); a practical tool on safeguarding frameworks (Invest in Childcare Initiative, World Bank); and an exploration of care as critical climate infrastructure (DCED/Kore Global). Participants will also have the opportunity to hear about ongoing We-Fi projects focused on the care economy and learn more about the work being undertaken in this area.