Business

How the Lack of Financial Inclusion Can Be Detrimental to Your Business

Published

4 years ago

July 14, 2021

Financial inclusion is the access of equally distributed financial services to individuals and businesses worldwide, no matter the level of their income and social status.

Although the World Bank has agreed about the fact that financial inclusion is an important key asset in diminishing poverty and enhancing prosperity in any country, we can still see that more than half of the world’s population have been deprived of their availability to financial services. In fact, according to The Startup, it is has stated that about less than 15% of citizens in many countries in Africa and Asia are the only people who own a bank account.

Some of the most common needs that have to be met for the population who require financial assistance include transacting, saving, insurance, making and getting payments, and credit on time. Once these resources are available to target individuals or businesses, they will be able to meet their financial goals.

The Affects From Lack of Financial Inclusion

Developing and underdeveloped countries consist of the largest population of people who are operating within an informal economy. Thus, there have been significant negative effects on their lives and the economy.

One of the most common struggles that these poor populations have to deal with is the lack of reliable means of making and receiving their daily payments- leading towards an inability that disturbs their chances of gaining and making full potential of their mobility. Consequently, these countries are always forced to be dependent on external sources who can help them obtain financial services through most often unethical means.

Additionally, they are also deprived of credit, so most of the population in emerging countries tend to be working within the informal sector. One part of the population grows crops and maintains animals; the other serves as artisans who sell their crafts to the population. And the rest of the people simply sell basic necessities such as food to their local consumers. Even though they have the potential to make further progress in their small-scale business, lack of credit denies them the opportunity to make the most out of their business endeavors.

Consequently, all of these factors lead to them being unable to make any savings for themselves or their businesses. Being able to save up on money helps people improve their life or business conditions, such as buying more products to enhance business revenue.

However, we have been witnessing a change within developing countries such as Bangladesh due to the relentless efforts being made by Tanvir A Mishuk.

As a Bangladeshi Fintech entrepreneur, Tanvir A Mishuk believes that in order for Bangladesh to improve its economic condition, they would need to have access to a stable stream of financial services for their business or personal projects. Hence, after being a part of the fintech industry for many years, he started investing his time and efforts towards entrepreneurship. One of his many accomplishments includes serving as the founder and Managing Director of Nagad in 2017. His progress with Sigma Telecom Limited and Sigma Group has aided in radically changing the International Telecom Gateway (IGW) business has made it easier for people to communicate over the internet.

Furthermore, by integrating technology with finance, he was able to give them an opportunity to attain financial inclusion which has significantly improved the socioeconomic structure of Bangladesh.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.