Insights from our 2024 Stakeholder Survey
Each year we gather feedback from our partners and stakeholders via an annual survey and social network analysis (SNA). Our 2024 process provided rich insights from 53 survey respondents and 76 SNA respondents, affirming our approach and offering suggestions for growth. We are pleased to share here some of the key insights and actions arising.
Key findings
How Small Foundation plays its role in the sector
When asked about how Small Foundation plays our role in the sector, respondents appreciated our commitment to taking risks, concentrating on local solutions, partnering for the long term and maintaining a focus on rural sub-Saharan Africa. Small Foundation was also recognised for leadership in the network space, supporting convening and strengthening collaboration across the ecosystem.
Image: Small Foundation’s Net Promoter Score 2021-2024 in response to the question: “How likely are you to recommend engaging with Small Foundation to others?”
Engaging with impact: feedback on how we invest
Flexibility and responsiveness in the investment process continue to be highlighted as critical strengths, particularly in an environment where access to timely, adaptable funding is crucial.
What we’re doing well:
- Our investment process is seen as transparent and supportive, with partners feeling they are heard and valued.
- Many partners pointed to our funding having played a catalytic role in unlocking additional investment and resources.
- Both our financial and non-financial support is widely appreciated, with partners valuing the depth of engagement beyond finance.
What we can improve:
- Some feedback indicates a need for greater clarity around our decision-making timelines and processes.
- A few respondents suggested clearer communication around how our investment criteria evolve.
- Some partners would like to see more structured support that integrates different funding instruments, such as grants, equity, and debt, in a more seamless manner.
How we show up: feedback on how we engage
Beyond investment, the survey also explored how Small Foundation operates and engages within the ecosystem. Feedback focused on our collaborative and learning-driven approach.
What we’re doing well:
- Small Foundation staff are consistently recognised for being responsive and professional, and for fostering open, respectful relationships.
- Our commitment to listening and incorporating feedback into our work is noted as a key strength.
- We continue to be seen as an influential player in supporting networks and collaboration, with partners appreciating our role in convening and knowledge-sharing.
What we can improve:
- Some partners would like to better understand our priorities and how we decide to allocate resources.
- A few respondents requested more engagement opportunities, particularly around our non-financial support offerings.
- We see an opportunity to enhance communication around our evolving strategy and priorities in response to external trends and partner needs.
Looking ahead: what’s next
At Small Foundation, we place feedback at the core of our approach and it informs how we implement our strategy. Based on what we’ve learned through this survey, we are committed to:
- Paying attention to communication with potential partners around our investment process, timelines, and decision-making criteria.
- Ensuring our partners fully understand our non-financial support offerings.
- Continuing to champion networks and collaboration, leveraging our role as a convener to support ecosystem-wide impact.
- Continuing our communication efforts to inform stakeholders about how our strategy and thinking are evolving.
Thank you to our partners
We deeply appreciate the time and honesty of all who participated in this year’s survey. Your insights help us in our aim to be a valued, engaged, and impactful partner. We look forward to building on this feedback and continuing to support meaningful, lasting change in African MSME ecosystems.
