Organized by the Investors Council, a roundtable meeting was held where the National Bank of Georgia presented a new methodology for collecting Sex-disaggregated MSME Data Framework on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Developed in partnership with the Investors Council, commercial banks, and the Banking Association, this initiative has been officially integrated into the NBG’s regulatory reporting framework. This transition is vital for Georgia’s economic development, as a unified definition allows for the creation of an accurate statistical database of women-owned and women-led businesses.

The NBG, in partnership with key stakeholders, has been working on this initiative since 2023 to address challenges related to the availability of sex-disaggregated MSME data in Georgia. The developed common definition of a woman entrepreneur and the related reporting template aim to enable the systematic collection of sex-disaggregated data from banks on MSME financing. Banks prepared the first reports based on 2024 data, and regular quarterly reporting will commence in 2026, ensuring continuous monitoring and availability of sex-disaggregated MSME data.

This data collection system will enhance access to finance by enabling banks to analyze gathered information, better identify the specific needs of female entrepreneurs, and offer tailored financial products.

Furthermore, implementing such standards increases the country’s transparency in the international market, supports evidence-based policymaking, and serves the long-term goal of women's economic empowerment.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the banking sector, international organizations, business associations, the Pension Fund of Georgia, and the National Statistics Office.