An inclusive business is a self-sustainable business entity that productively integrates low-income populations into its value chain.^[1] By prioritizing value creation over value capture and adopting principles of non-discrimination, inclusive businesses create new economic opportunities for low-income populations but do not necessarily pursue profit maximization objectives.^[2] By means of an inclusive business model, inclusive businesses engage, support and create demonstrable value for low income producers, suppliers, retailers and/or service providers and actively avoid destroying value 'along the path to value creation'.^[2]

By emphasizing productive integration, inclusive businesses are distinguishable from social businesses developing goods and services specifically for low income populations.^[2][3]