Microenterprise growth dynamics in the Dominican Republic : the ADEMI [Asociacion para el Desarrollo de Microempresas, Inc.] case

(ADEMI) provides short-term working capital loans and some fixed asset loans to microentrepreneurs in the Dominican Republic. ADEMI"s 6,000 members participate in a wide array of industries, including food processing, textiles, construction materials, mechanics, and shoe repair. This report compares how ADEMI members perform, comparing female and male members in terms of enterprise performance. It also examines the relationship between enterprise growth and industry type. Growth patterns are analyzed using four performance measurements: growth rate in employment, output, output/labor, and fixed assets. The data suggest that women participants have taken advantage of ADEMI credit, as shown by their growth rates in some industries. However, while women"s enterprises perform well in employment and output, they do not tend to invest in equipment or machinery necessary for increased efficiency. For this reason, the women"s businesses show significantly lower output levels than the men"s as they grow in size. The analysis of industries reveals differences in the growth patterns of various types of industries and among different size firms within these industry types. Recommendations for further research are provided.