Trickle Up devoted 2003 to innovation, training, and special projects. We consolidated to 25 countries to increase impact where we operate. A two-year project was launched to start 1,000 business among Tuareg and Bella women in northern Mali. Trickle Up advocated partners for and set goals for inclusive programming for persons with disabilities.

Several impact assessment tools were adapted and tested in 2003. An impact assessment of women’s empowerment conducted in Sierra Leone showed gains in women’s self-esteem after launching their businesses.