The majority of the world’s poor are self employed. Most people living in poverty, however, do not have access to the capital needed to grow their small businesses and increase their profits. VisionFund affiliated MFIs strive to serve the entrepreneurial poor who are economically marginalised.

This is especially true for the rural poor, who typically have even less access and fewer options than others. VisionFund looks for borrowers primarily in World Vision area development programmes with the following three characteristics:

VisionFund focuses on the hardworking, entrepreneurial poor who need access to capital to grow their business to a level that will sustain themselves and their families.

VisionFund provides microloans to the entrepreneurial poor who are willing to be trained as first-time borrowers. Additionally, those with prior business experience are sought out because they are more likely to repay their loans and become mentors to other entrepreneurs.

The majority of VisionFund’s borrowers are women; 68% in 2010. This is a staggering statistic in light of the reality that women control less than one percent of the world’s assets. VisionFund focuses on women, as they are more apt to spend additional income on healthcare and education for their children.

Learn how women are being impacted through small loans by visiting www.visionfundinternational.org/women

Microfinance is an investment in the future, especially in regards to children. With new income from micro enterprise, poor families invest in their children’s education. Studies show that children of microfinance borrowers are more likely to go to school, stay in school longer, and have lower dropout rates.

VisionFund’s experience confirms these findings. As loans are repaid, the money is recycled, giving donations increased impact. For example, in Rwanda, a donation of $75 can affect at least 30 children over a five year period by providing access to food and education. Among more than 800 Rwandan active borrowers, family income and assets doubled in 19 months. Recipients benefit from better nutrition, improved living conditions, better health, better sleep, increased education, and an improved outlook on life.

"If you believe that we are each called to serve the widows and orphans, the last, the lost and the least....then microfinance is one of the ways we can step up to the plate. I was asked why I support VisionFund’s microfinance programmes...I believe it is harder to find compelling reasons not to."

Amy Lee
Chief Executive, Hogan Lovells Lee & Lee
Donor