Jakarta. Canada and the Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) have launched a new program to boost access to capital for women-led businesses in Indonesia, as part of efforts to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Global Affairs Canada and Impact Investment Exchange on Monday officially rolled out the Impact Investment Readiness in Indonesia (IIRI) program, which will provide women-focused impact enterprises with tailored business and financial training, investment readiness support, and partnerships linking them with investors and financial institutions.

The launch was attended by Randeep Sarai, Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, and IIX Founder and CEO Durreen Shahnaz, marking Canada’s commitment to advancing inclusive growth in Indonesia.

“Canada is partnering with IIX to support women-led enterprises in Indonesia,” Sarai said. “Through the IIRI program, we will provide technical assistance and help attract investment for enterprises that empower women. This initiative strengthens micro, small, and medium enterprises, which are vital to Indonesia’s sustainable development, while deepening cooperation between our two countries.”

Indonesia’s Emas 2045 vision targets becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2045, with a strong focus on building a globally competitive MSME ecosystem and expanding women’s economic participation. The country has more than 65 million MSMEs contributing around 60% of GDP, with women owning about 64.5% of enterprises, yet the sector still faces an estimated $220 billion financing gap.

“Women entrepreneurs are already driving much of Indonesia’s economy, but they need the right tools and pathways to access capital,” Shahnaz said. “Through IIRI, we plan to provide hands-on investment readiness support and connect hundreds of women-focused enterprises directly to investors, helping transform Indonesia’s MSME sector and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.”

IIX has been working closely with Indonesian authorities, including the Financial Services Authority (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan) and the Indonesia Stock Exchange (Indonesia Stock Exchange), as well as the private sector, to expand impact investment through initiatives such as the Orange Movement. The IIRI program is expected to build on these efforts by mobilizing more capital and strengthening women-led enterprises across multiple provinces.

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