Project Muso's Springboard Microfinance Program provides matching grants, low-interest loans, and training support for participants. 108 women are enrolled and each of them has individually established a small enterprise. Project Muso supports participants to create women's cooperatives, and these cooperatives create multiple levels of mutual accountability to ensure a high rate of loan repayment. Since the Springboard Microfinance Program launched in February 2007, these structures have been highly successful, yielding 100% repayment rates. In September 2007, participants finished repaying their first loan cycle (approx. $68) and began repaying their second loan cycle (approx. $113).

In addition to the businesses started by individuals, several of the Women’s Cooperatives have begun collaborating on group enterprises: one has begun to design and sell clothing and handbags that are a unique fusion of traditional and modern designs. Others are also pursuing cooperative enterprises, including solar-powered produce-drying.

2007 Impact At A Glance

• 4 New Women’s Cooperative Associations
• More than 100 Small Businesses Launched
• 100% Loan Repayment Rates