MicroLending Today

Micro-lending has grown substantially since the 1980s for several reasons:
• The promise of reaching the poor;
• The promise of financial sustainability;
• The growing number of success stories;
• The capital is re-loaned creating a long-term renewable fund;
• The availability of better financial products as a result of innovation;
• The potential to improve standards of living while building dignity.

There are now thousands of micro-lending organizations worldwide granting loans which promote economic independence. An impoverished entrepreneur with a viable business plan may receive a small loan, typically between $25 and $200, enough to grow many types of businesses such as soda vendors, beauty salons, or clothing retailers. Micro-lending is a proven intervention that works.  Micro-lending is essential for millions of families who have no other means of advancement.  It allows people to gain control of their financial destinies. Micro-lending is currently being used to help more than 80 million people gain financial independence and sustainability. Perhaps most importantly, micro-lending gives us the opportunity to further combat chronic poverty which kills more people than war, catastrophes, or natural disasters.