International loans online

Online lenders can get needed credit to small businesses

While big corporations and public stock offerings get the media headlines, it’s small and medium-sized businesses that serve as the engines powering a healthy global economy.

Although small-business owners in different markets around the world have wildly varying challenges to overcome, they often face one very similar problem: accessing the capital they need to grow.   

This challenge has resulted in a global small-business financing gap, estimated by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to bebetween $2.1-$2.6 trillion in developing countries. 

Connecting with a click

The digital disruption presents challenges to "mom and pop" operations in less digitally engaged communities around the world. But at the same time, it can be a boon to those who tap into its advantages. Meet a startup that has presented such businesses in South-east Asia with the opportunity to go global; and for consumers, the ability to get products from famous markets such as Bangkok's Chatuchak to your doorstep – all just a click away. Zilingo's founder and chief executive officer Ankiti Bose shares her journey.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ZILINGO AND THE SERVICES THAT IT PROVIDES?

Zilingo is a fashion e-commerce platform that aggregates fashion and lifestyle sellers of Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Hong Kong on a single platform. We now have over 5,000 small enterprises that sell apparel, accessories, bags, shoes and lifestyle products.