Our microloan program is designed to be accessible, flexible and sustainable, ensuring that women can invest in their businesses without falling into debt cycles. We co-designed and co-created it with the members of our Women’s Club and continually refine it based on their feedback.
The full entrepreneurship program combines microloans – our Special Credit Fund – with marketable skills training, business & financial literacy training, business coaching and regular Women’s Club group events to help women build stronger, more resilient businesses, build strong social networks and learn from their peers.
Program Features
Microloans for business growth
Mineke Foundation provides microloans starting at $200, with higher loan amounts available for trusted borrowers. Loan amounts are determined based on a detailed evaluation of the owner’s business needs and growth potential.
Business training & coaching
Microloan recipients receive business training prior to getting the loan. We follow this up with ongoing one-on-one coaching at their place of business to help them manage and grow their enterprises. Topics include separating business and personal finances, pricing strategies, improving customer service and increasing sales.
100% repayment rate
Since 2018, we have maintained a 100% repayment rate of microloans. This is thanks to a unique combination of trust, program co-creation, and individual and group accountability structures. Women build up a track record and progress to bigger loans until they are ready to access loans from commercial banks.
Future Goals
70% of people in Liberia live on less than USD 2 per day.
An estimated 57 000 women aged 24 and older live in our core working areas of Gardnersville, Barnersville and Johnsonville.
Our Women’s Club membership is expanding as more women see their friends and neighbors doing better in business.
Our primary goal is to expand the microloan fund to meet the increasing demand for loans. We also aim to build partnerships with banks, the Liberia Business Registry and other organizations to support women who are ready to transition to the formal sector.
Help us do more!
By supporting Mineke Foundation, you’re helping to build a brighter future for Liberia’s children, women and families.