Micro and Social Enterprise Development
Supporting economic self-sufficiency through seed funding and technical assistance
The mission of the micro-enterprise fund is to empower women through business. Through capacity building for marginalized women-led groups, seed funding, training in business acumen, and simple bookkeeping is supported.
Poverty makes survival for women a daily challenge. Social challenges such as environmental degradation, food shortage, unclean water, lack of employment opportunities, the cost of education for children, and medical expenses can seem insurmountable. With assistance, women can cooperatively inspire businesses that answer a need in the community and support their families. With no credit, house, land, education, or possessions, women struggle immensely, let alone save or build capital.
This fund helps women access micro-loans through their women’s group fund allowing them to start small businesses such as selling locally made products. All loan recipients receive training and assistance in becoming empowered to be an entrepreneur for economic stability. When women’s group loans are first made, they start out with groups of five. Women are mentored and the principle and interest is paid back into the cooperative fund to fund more women. Training in entrepreneurial business and marketing management is paramount to the success of any enterprise to succeed.
Accomplishments: Since our founding in 2003, we have supported thousands of women through seed funding for social enterprises and well-managed women’s groups funds in rural communities.