Microcredit is a creative approach your business can take to help the poorest people around the world become self-sufficient. Because underprivileged women are frequently in the position of supporting their families alone, they are the focus of many microcredit financing organizations. If your company is seeking innovative ways to contribute to the global economy broadly, without breaking the bank, investing in microcredit opportunities may be a good fit.

The term microcredit indicates the small size and term length of the loan a poverty-stricken individual can request. These loans finance the creation of small businesses that allow borrowers to become self-sufficient. Under the best circumstances, the loans are promptly repaid. Explore how your business can invest in or contribute to specific funds or organizations: The following tips will start you on your way to making microcredit Cambrians on a global scale:

1. Look for investment opportunities that support microcredit entrepreneurship.

2. Find consultants for help with microcredit program development.

3. Make donations if investing is not the right step for your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Seek microcredit investment opportunities

Microcredit investment tools work to end poverty among the poorest in the world. Investment opportunities are open to the small and large investor and offer a variety of ways to choose the best approach to microcredit financing for individuals and institutions.

I recommend: Microplace offers a selection of microcredit investment tools based on social, financial and geographic criteria. Returns on some of the investment accounts featured are paid out in two to three years. FINCA International is a financial services company with its own microcredit investment tool that requires a minimum of $50,000 to open an account.

Find a microcredit consultant who can point you in the right direction

Seek the services of a consultant for help with microcredit program development opportunities. Microcredit consulting firms educate institutions about microcredit opportunities, the populations targeted, and give microcredit advice regarding how a company can become involved with this specialized form of financing.

I recommend: HB Consultants offers an array of financial and management services, including microcredit information and program development. LFS Consulting works to implement microcredit programs for banks and non-bank institutions.

Help microcredit finance organizations through donations

Donating to non-profit microcredit organizations is an alternative to investing your company's funds. Following an organization's handling of a donation could inform you about how well their investment tools are managed.

I recommend: Prosperity Rings provides loans and microcredit training to poor women around the world seeking financial security. The organization accepts donations and maintains a list of donors on its website. The non-profit organization, Unitus, accepts large and small donations through its online form.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Provide your employees with information about non-profit organizations that provide microcredit financing as an option for contributing donations and volunteer service.