Despite myriad challenges, entrepreneurs in conflict and post-conflict environments have succeeded in building viable businesses that stabilize families and communities and foster economic growth on a national level. While the importance of entrepreneurship has been widely discussed, little is known and has been written about what works in terms of linking entrepreneurs with markets in these environments.

This project seeks to fill that gap by investigating efforts underway in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Liberia, among others, and exploring ways to improve market linkages for entrepreneurs. It will focus on new and growing firms, as well as examine firms that have developed into large-scale enterprises. It will also analyze the unique barriers facing female entrepreneurs and suggest ways the international community can best focus its efforts to address challenges seen by entrepreneurs in conflict and post-conflict environments.

It is directed by U.S. Foreign Policy Fellow and Deputy Director of the Women and Foreign Policy program Gayle Tzemach Lemmon.

This project is made possible by the generous support of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.