A women's micro-credit enterprise program started in summer 2004. Enterprises include poultry and pig raising,QPM production and bread baking. By 2011 more than 50 women participate in the program.  Successful businesses include:  pig and poultry farming, oven construction to produce, bake and sell  QPM goods, and petty trading.

Women play major roles as farmers and business people; however, many lack financial ability to own land or have access to financing at reasonable interest rates. Recognizing how this limits women’s social impact, Self-Help began a micro-credit program in Ghana (1999) and Nicaragua (2004).
Selected women are trained in business and market strategies prior to receiving a business loan. Nearly 1,000 women have participated. Successful businesses include: Palm oil processing, pig and poultry farming, soap making, baking goods, earthenware pottery, and trade. Loans lead to improved nutrition and quality of life for their children which connects back to our feeding projects.

The micro-credit Program provides training and loans averaging $50-250 to increase income and empower women. Marketing strategies and encouraging savings are an integral part of the program. Loans (with interest) are usually 6 to 12 months in duration and are granted to members within women’s groups for income generating projects. Women use their proceeds to enhance the lives of their children.

Visit our store to support the Micro-Credit program in Nicaragua