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Cambodia’s “missing middle” comprises small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that are too large for microfinance institutions yet too small for traditional banking. These businesses face a formidable funding gap of $3.7 billion, with total financial needs estimated at $10.5 billion, as revealed by the 2023 Gender Lens Investing Landscape Study. Struggling to access financial and technical resources, these enterprises often fall short of their growth potential, limiting their contribution to the national economy.
The Entrepreneur Investment Support (EIS) platform, a pilot initiative under the Enhancing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Investment (3Ei) initiative, is designed to address these challenges. By providing tailored technical assistance (TA), EIS enables SMEs to attract new investments or sustain growth after securing funding. Collaborating with investors and intermediaries, the platform provides tailored support to high-growth-potential businesses, enabling their success while creating positive social and environmental impact.
EIS supported seven companies in 2024. Two companies, Tenbox and Workingna, received investment readiness assistance. Additionally, five companies — Global Action for Environment Awareness (GAEA), Sala, Dorsu, Kingdom of Wow (KOW), and Edemy — benefited from post-investment support. These businesses are poised to leverage EIS assistance to address their operational challenges, optimize their strategies, and scale effectively.
Access to EIS services is facilitated through recommendations from investors or intermediaries, ensuring that TA resources are directed to businesses that demonstrate high potential early-growth businesses or have already secured funding in the form of debt, equity, or convertible note. The tailored TA is delivered by a vetted pool of consultants, including both local and regional experts, with the option for companies or investors to nominate their preferred providers. This flexible and responsive approach ensures that the support is relevant and impactful for each enterprise.
By equipping SMEs with the tools and expertise they need to attract and sustain investments, the EIS platform demonstrates its potential to bridge Cambodia's funding gap. As a pilot initiative, it represents a critical first step in addressing the systemic challenges faced by the “missing middle” and creating a pathway for inclusive economic growth.
The Entrepreneur Investment Support (EIS) platform within the Enhancing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Investment (3Ei) initiative is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and Khmer Enterprise.