Solidarity lending is Fonkoze’s core microfinance program. It provides loans to groups of five women (called a Solidarity group), creating a built-in system of accountability and support. Beginning at $45 and increasing to over $850, Solidarity loans enable women who have already established themselves as microentrepreneurs to expand their businesses.
Five or six Solidarity groups from a common geographical area join together to form a Solidarity “Center” of 25-30 women. Centers meet monthly to repay their loans, build community and participate in education and training activities.
Over 100 Center chief representatives meet in Port-au-Prince at Fonkoze’s General Assembly each year to learn more about Fonkoze programs and engage in dialogue with senior Fonkoze staff. From the delegates, two Center chiefs are elected to represent their peers on Fonkoze’s Board of Directors. This democratic process empowers women with leadership skills and enables our clients to have a voice in Fonkoze’s work.
