ACCION International

03.08.2004 In the past two years, ACCION has worked with several institutions in Latin America and Africa to institute or expand rural lending programs. These efforts have resulted in successful rural penetration as well as a range of microcredit products adapted for rural areas. This newsletter briefly describes the experience of ACCION’s affiliates and partners in rural areas and relates lessons gleaned from that experience on how urban, commercially-oriented microfinance institutions can enter rural markets.

29.07.2004 The Central American Bank of Economic Integration (BCIE) recognized FAMA (Fundación para el Apoyo a la Microempresa) as the best NGO dedicated to microfinance in Central America. With ACCION's help, FAMA began operations in 1992 and, with 20 branches throughout the country, now serves more than 24,000 clients with loans that average $450.

22.07.2004 In Nicaragua, a non-governmental organization that provides micro-finance loans to small business owners has been recognized for changing lives by helping borrowers build management skills through its micro-enterprise training.

01.04.2004 ACCION USA is one of 17 U.S. non-profits to receive a 2004 HP Microenterprise Development Grant valued up to $250,000 in equipment and technical support. Two initiatives that will benefit from this grant include, a pilot mobile lending initiative which utilizes HP wireless equipment, and a Techstart Loan Program which provides microentrepreneurs with financing to purchase HP equipment at a significant discount and receive free computer literacy training.

23.03.2004

© ACCION International

A couple of tiny loans allowed Fatouma Dijbril Issifou just the margin she needed to save enough from her vegetable stand so that children could attend school and receive medical care, and hopefully break the cycle of poverty into which Fatima was born.