Most of the women we work with have difficulties accessing funds.  There are no banks where they live and little access to cash.  As many of the women are not able to read or write theyare not able to borrow money from regular institutions.  Instead they rely on informal networks, most often a type of revolving fund where they save money as a group and are able to borrow from the communal funds.  However, the amounts are often small and the impact modest. 

To help improve access to capital CAFWA provides access to basic training in record keeping and business skills to help women advance their businesses.  For groups which can show evidence of sustained group savings we provide small grants used to increase the amount women can borrow.  Instead of taking loans of a few dollars they are now able to borrow 20-75 USD.  This helps increase the amount of business they can do and also increases the profits.  Loans are managed by the groups themselves and returned with an interest, usually between 10-15%.

Groups are constantly monitored to ensure success and provide support where needed.