Who We Help

People with a strong work ethic — but little or no access to credit

World Vision Micro focuses on hardworking entrepreneurs in developing countries who have no collateral or credit history to receive a traditional loan. Many of these entrepreneurs live in rural areas where traditional banks simply don't operate. Microfinance loans will help these individuals grow their businesses to the point where they can support themselves and their families and even "graduate" to the formal lending system.

"I got the loan so we could help feed our family," says Mao Chea (left) in Cambodia, pictured with her son, Phan (middle), and husband, Noam (right). She received a $50 dollar loan to buy fishing nets, replacing her old nets that had been stolen.

All borrowers:

• Have a business plan
• Are pre-qualified to receive a loan
• Come from World Vision's development projects

Entrepreneurs with experience

Micro seeks out people willing to receive business coaching or those with past business experience. These two groups are more likely to repay their loans and become mentors to the next-generation of entrepreneurs.

Borrowers may also receive:

• Job training
• Technical support
• Help with accessing new markets

"My family gets many benefits," says A'i Gwonda, a mother of six in Niger. She used her loan of $100 to grow her peanut oil and millet cake business. "We can eat and drink well. I can clothe myself and my family. I have four daughters and all of them are going to school."