
Finance for Small Enterprises
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3M
Participants
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85
Projects
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45
Countries
About the program
Meeting financial needs of small enterprises
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.
Our Impact
Impact for Small Enterprises
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.
Where We work
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.
Program Subsector

Savings-Led Microfinance
CRS' Savings and Internal Lending (SILC) methodology is a holistic, savings-led microfinance approach that provides a safe place for poor households to save and borrow to increase their income.
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Savings Group Builds Livelihoods and Community in Cameroon
In Cameroon, CRS partners with Caritas Mokolo to implement the Stabilization and Reconciliation in the Lake Chad Region project, or STaR, which has supported about 13,600 people by improving access to basic infrastructure and services, enhancing livelihoods, reinforcing social cohesion and improving local governance since 2021.
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Strengthening Finances in Central African Republic
Savings groups, business training and food distributions enable small businesses to thrive.
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Savings Group Fuels Business Development
The Inclusive Nutrition and Early Childhood Development Program is a five-year program funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development to improve the health, functioning, nutritional status and well-being of women of reproductive age and children under six years of age, with an emphasis on the child’s first 1,000-days.
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Benin Savings Group Boosts Business Opportunities
Members save and borrow from one another to build businesses and grow personal finances.
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Benin Savings Groups Open Opportunities to Earn
Pooled resources, access to small loans, and member cooperation improve individual and family finances in Benin.
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Benin Savings Groups Help Build Livelihoods
Benin savings group processes soybeans into fresh wedges of soy cheese.
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Saving And Growing In The Democratic Republic Of The Congo
The shelves are well stocked in Alexandre Tshibamba’s boutique in Bakua Mwagi village in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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Benin Savings Groups Build Financial Security
The Kadjola group was formed as part of the Kadjogbé Fou Itounou project implemented by CRS and our partner Caritas Dassa.
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Savings Groups Develop Community Leaders in Benin
Under the shade of large trees on a sunny Sunday, Rose Iwa Oloutoyi stands among the members of a savings group she started.
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Savings Groups Empower Women in Rural Nigeria
The success and popularity of one group led to expansion with more members learning ways to improve their income and finances.
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Rwanda Entrepreneurs’ Savings Stokes Business Endeavors
A small beekeeping operation started a savings group that enabled investment and introduced modern techniques.
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Saving for a Better Future in the Republic of the Congo
The restaurant was built and is now run by Les Abeilles, or The Honeybees, a savings group in Kintamou village.
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Explore the regions where CRS is transforming lives through your generosity. From Africa to Latin America, discover the stories of hope and resilience across the globe.
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