Friendship Bridge is a nonprofit social enterprise creating opportunities that empower women in Guatemala to build a better life. We use an innovative and high-impact approach to poverty alleviation by combining the tools of microfinance, education, and preventive health services. We call this Microcredit Plus.
In order to support our clients with the most appropriate Microcredit Plus services and financial products, we place them into one of two distinct client segments: Dreamers and Entrepreneurs. We invite you to learn more about our methodology and understand how it supports our social impact outcomes in our 2021-25 Strategic Plan (English / Español).
Microcredit Plus Services
FINANCIAL SERVICES << DREAMERS
Group Loans (Trust Banks)
This is our entry loan product, offered to individuals who form a Trust Bank (7 to 25 women) and co-guarantee each others’ loans as a form of social collateral. Learn More.
Parallel Loans
This individual loan is available to clients already borrowing as part of a Trust Bank who have a good credit history and a need for additional credit in order to expand their businesses.
Chanim-Chanim Loans
Meaning “very, very fast” in Kaqchikel (Mayan language), this loan is available to Trust Bank clients for quick access to short-term loan capital for emergency or last-minute opportunities.
PLUS SERVICES << DREAMERS
Non-Formal Education
NFE is the backbone of our Microcredit Plus program. Delivered monthly during Trust Bank meetings, NFE sessions cover topics related to health, women’s rights, family, and business. Learn more.
Health for Life
The Health for Life program combines health education with women’s preventive health services. It was successfully launched in our Sololá branch in 2015 and expanded to Chimaltenango in 2016. Learn more.
Women’s Agriculture Credit & Training
This program gives our agriculture clients access to new markets through technical training and credit products. Learn more.
Advanced Business Training
Clients learn technical or advanced business skills to help diversify their income.
Bridge to Success
FINANCIAL SERVICES << ENTREPRENEURS
Individual Loans
A larger, longer-term loan offered to accelerate the growth of our Entrepreneur clients’ businesses and prepare them for the formal banking sector.
Lines of Credit
A pre-approved source of funding that can readily be tapped at the client’s discretion for business or personal use.
PLUS SERVICES << ENTREPRENEURS
Business Development
Cultivates clients’ high potential for leadership, growth, and job creation in their communities in Guatemala.
Peer-to-Peer Connections & Mentoring
An invaluable form of ‘social capital,’ we provide a network of peers and mentors who have strong business connections.
Handmade by Friendship Bridge®
Formerly the Artisan Access Program
Artisan Entrepreneur clients participate in technical and business trainings designed to help them enter new local and global markets. Learn more and Shop Now!
