First-time entrepreneurs living in extreme poverty face innumerable challenges in starting their own businesses. We fund training, savings groups, and seed capital disbursements using the Graduation Approach deployed by our partner Village Enterprise.
The Village Enterprise Fund was founded in 1987 to help poor individuals living in rural villages across Africa start micro-businesses. Through its innovative Graduation Approach, Village Enterprise empowers first-time women entrepreneurs in rural Africa. The women in its programs receive a range of invaluable resources and skills training to start sustainable businesses and Business Savings Groups. Business mentors from Village Enterprise deliver training in financial literacy and business skills to assist participants in developing small business plans. Their plans approved, participants receive a cash grant as seed capital. This comprehensive approach helps enable women to lift themselves from extreme poverty.
UNFCU Foundation funds will expand the Poverty Graduation Program in Uganda. It will start 63 business owners on their journey and positively impact the lives of 189 entrepreneurs, 151 of whom are women and girls.
