Quantitative report – Impact on microentrepreneurs participating in digital platforms

• by Md Farista Andalib and Samveet Sahoo
• Nov 20, 2025
• 1 min
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This report draws from surveys of 400 urban and rural microentrepreneurs, both platformed and unplatformed. It highlights striking differences in credit use, income levels, and digital engagement between both categories of microentrepreneurs. Gender and location shape outcomes in surprising ways and hint at deeper dynamics. Read on for the full analysis.

Our new report is based on surveys with 400 microentrepreneurs, including both platformed digital users and unplatformed traditional businesses in urban and rural areas. The analysis reveals sharp contrasts in credit behavior, income patterns, and digital engagement. Gender and location strongly influence borrowing decisions, use of technology, and earnings. Yet, some findings are unexpected: Digital access does not always boost income, while women are often more independent in their use of technology. These patterns offer intriguing clues, which we explore in more detail in the full report.