A report explored learnings from the Relief, Recovery, Resilience (RRR) programme – a joint endeavour between Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The report – Navigating Emergencies: Financial Innovations For Relief, Recovery, And Resilience – analysed insights from impactful case studies and real-world success stories to highlight practical, scalable solutions that have emerged from the RRR programme.

"This research showcases the transformative impact of the RRR programme, created during Covid-19 to support MSMEs, especially women-focused ones. The findings highlight how timely collaboration can generate scalable solutions for sustainable development," said Durreen Shahnaz, founder and CEO of Impact Investment Exchange (IIX). "Through case studies, the report underscores the critical role of innovative financing and technology platforms in fostering recovery, resilience, and inclusivity to address macroeconomic and social challenges."

The RRR programme has supported over 100 Women-focused Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (WSMEs) in Asia-Pacific, safeguarding more than 5,000 jobs, and mobilizing $50 million in capital.

The RRR programme had three phases:

• Relief Phase: This prioritised WSME survival via the IIX Emergency Financing Facility (IEFF), which offered immediate financial support to maintain operations and protect jobs, helping over 100 WSMEs weather the pandemic's initial economic storm.
• Recovery Phase: Leveraging IIX's technological platforms, this phase equipped WSMEs with the tools for business continuity and growth, ensuring their robust and technology-driven recovery. This initiative has facilitated a resurgence of WSMEs, aiding their adaptation to new market realities.
• Resilience Phase: This fortified WSMEs against future adversities through the Women's Catalyst Fund (WCF), linking with the innovative Women's Livelihood Bond (WLB) Series for longer-term capital access.

The paper argues that the RRR programme mitigated investor risk perception by correlating financial performance with positive environmental and social impacts, supporting the sustained recovery and resilience of WSMEs.

WSMEs, it says, contribute to societal and environmental well-being and offer attractive risk and return profiles to investors.