microfinance
Offering small, affordable loans to people not served by traditional banks has been called "a weapon against poverty and hunger" by the United Nations. Credit, along with mother financial services like savings, insurance, money transfers, and innovative payment mechanisms like mobile money can help transform the lives of those living in poverty. Socially oriented, Mercy Corps-sponsored microfinance institutions, savings and credit cooperatives, loan-guarantee programmes, and technical support reach more than one million people in over a dozen countries.
All stories about microfinance
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Haiti: Tatie’s Home, a bakery in Port-au-Prince August 24, 2011
Tatie grew up in a family of seven children, and wanted to own her own business since she was a little girl. While just a young student, Tatie's mother passed away and Tatie began raising her younger brother and god-daughter.
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Nicaragua: Mentoring businesses in Nicaragua January 26, 2011
As MicroMentor's Central American partner, we are working to promote business mentoring in a society where entrepreneurs are facing tough economic, social, and environmental circumstances - often with little or no support.
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Philippines: Texting her way to a better business November 19, 2010
San Miguel is a bustling neighborhood in the centre of Manila, home to many of the jeepney drivers and low-wage laborers that make up the city’s poor.
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Afghanistan: Well worth the effort July 28, 2009
For most of us, putting a meal on the table involves a trip to the store to purchase food and some time in the kitchen to prepare it.