Village Enterprise Fund - Unique Approach

Our Program
Unique Approach

Our grassroots model of economic development is unique in several respects:

Rural farmers We work in RURAL communities not served by other microfinance groups.
We work in rural villages that are beyond the bounds of traditional microlenders. Because most loan officers need 300-500 clients to cover their administrative costs, they focus their energies on cities and towns.

We focus exclusively on the NEEDIEST PEOPLE in the countries we serve.
We help people in extreme poverty who have no regular income. We quantify their depth of need using a short survey at the start of the relationship, specifying amount and type of food consumed, housing, land and animals owned, quality of clothing, etc. We take follow-up measurements of these key social indicators to assess the impact of our program.

We help people START businesses.
We reach out to people who would never start businesses on their own – even if they had the funds – because they lack the SKILLS and CONFIDENCE to run a business. We provide training, funding, and coaching to help them take the leap of faith and discover their untapped potential. Most microfinance initiatives lend to existing businesses and provide little or no support to ensure success.

We equip LOCAL LEADERS to address poverty in their villages.
Our village business mentors are uncommonly dedicated to helping the communities in which they live and work. Most hold leadership positions in local churches, hospitals, schools, or small businesses. As members of our team, they qualify and recruit prospective entrepreneurs, deliver business training, assist in crafting business plans, and provide long-term coaching to business owners. By partnering with leaders who understand the local language, culture, customs, and markets, we have the greatest impact on the people we are committed to serve.

We have EXCEPTIONAL STAFF in Kenya and Uganda.
African nationals serve as our country directors, trainers, and administrators. They handle program delivery, approve business applications, distribute grants, and recruit, train, and manage our network of 80+ village business mentors.

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