Micro-Loans Pave Road To The Future

To succeed in business, you must start with something. Sheer will does not give aspiring businessperson money to buy supplies and other necessities to run a business.

Here at WomenTeachingWomen, we believe in micro-loan programs. It is inspiring to see how people seize the opportunities these loans provide. Our work throughout Africa, Southeast Asia and even in the United States shows us that when women are given the skills and opportunity to become financially independent they make better lives for themselves and their families.

Microloans usually start out quite small, but as the loans are paid back and the new business shows a profit the women are given larger loans that allow them to expand their businesses to the next level.  These second round loans could be as much as $2,000. When these microloans are paid back with interest, funds are made available to others who need financial assistance.

An important component of the WomenTeachingWomen model is that teach loan participants the skills needed to start and operate a business including the value of ethical business practices, money management and accountability.

The women we have helped to start businesses have shown that when people have a steady source of income they are able to take care of their basic needs, send their children to school and plan for their future.