CRS seeks to address the unique financial goals and needs of small enterprises by providing them with appropriate and affordable financial products. CRS’ approach prepares small enterprise owners with the skills they need to navigate complex financial systems, using their business and marketing skills to understand their options for saving and borrowing. Using an effective mix of financial education, as well as business and marketing trainings,  entrepreneurs can grow their small enterprises, save, access and repay loans, and grow their assets. Providing trainings and financial options enables small enterprise owners to smooth their income over time to cope with shocks, manage risks, and ultimately improve their households’ well-being and resilience.

CRS supports small enterprise initially to borrow from microfinance institutions (MFI), saving and credit cooperatives (SACCO), FinTech companies and commercial banks while gradually preparing them to qualify for financial products that offer larger investment amounts and longer repayment terms. Given that the small enterprise owners with whom CRS works start with limited, if any, track records on borrowing, CRS works to link them with appropriate mechanisms that derisk lending for the financial service providers (FSP), such as loan guarantee funds, revolving funds, warehouse receipts finance, and blended finance. At the same time CRS looks to facilitate linkages with technology and insurance companies to develop and offer appropriate and affordable insurance products to further reduce small enterprises’ risk.

Explore the regions where CRS is transforming lives through your generosity. From Africa to Latin America, discover stories of hope and resilience across the globe.

With a team of Communications staff around the world, we can provide real-time updates during emergencies and on a wide variety of current issues and events facing the developing world and the international community.