Friday, 15 July 2011

How do entrepreneurs use microfinance?



© CARE/Emilie Bailey

I am always interested to learn more about how people use microfinance. During a visit last month to the Philippines I had several opportunities to speak directly with entrepreneurs. Lendwithcare works in partnership with SEEDFINANCE, a local wholesale microfinance institution (MFI) in the Philippines. This means that it lends to other smaller MFIs. Among these are the First Consolidated Co-operative Along the TaƱon Seaboard (FCCT) and Lamac Multi-Purpose Co-operative (Lamac), both of whom have entrepreneurs featured on lendwithcare. FCCT and Lamac are from the island of Cebu, which is a one hour flight southeast from the capital Manila. The island’s commercial and administrative centre is Cebu City, the oldest city in the Philippines.