At the founding of WCCN was a mission to show solidarity with the working poor and the disenfranchised of Nicaragua. This birthplace of WCCN is known for its famous lakes and volcanoes. Recent political turmoil has hindered the growth of the economy, causing weak public institutions, corruption, and inequalities among the administration of justice in the court of law. This poses a challenge to businesses in Nicaragua and is part of the reason 30% of Nicaraguans live in poverty. Fewer than half of Nicaraguans live in rural areas and they face higher rates of poverty. When it comes to describing the labor force, 31% is employed in agriculture. Unfortunately, women are 33% less likely to have equal opportunities. We are proud to support those who are working to better their lives through entrepreneurship and those who are focused on decreasing gender inequality.
OUR PARTNERS IN NICARAGUA
ALDEA GLOBAL
Partner Since 2017
Joining WCCN in 2017, Aldea Global provides farmers in the mountains of Jinotega, Nicaragua with the resources to access fair trade markets as well as microfinance loans. Their borrowers develop sustainable methods to grow and harvest coffee, potatoes, and other goods that feed the whole nation.
COOPEFACSA
Partner Since 2014
Located in Nueva Guinea in the southeastern part of Nicaragua, COOPEFACSA is a savings and credit cooperative mostly serving small farmers. While only 44 % of the nearly 2000 borrowers are women, they do actively participate in the government, the administration and the lending portfolio of this co-op. COOPEFACSA also provides training, technical assistance and education for clients and their children, micro-insurance and micro-pensions, and food security subsidies.
FUDEMI
Partner Since 2014
FUDEMI helps develop micro-business in order to create new jobs and help the Nicaraguan economy through the increased availability of micro-credit. Their offices in Matagalpa, Chinandega, Leon, and other western Coastal areas in Nicaragua currently reach nearly 5,000 borrowers. Commerce represents the biggest segment of their lending portfolio (40%) followed by agriculture (22%), and services (20%).
LEON 2000
Partner Since 2017
Leon 2000 was created as an NGO in 1993. In 2011, it made the decision to create a standalone private microfinance institution. It is owned 99% by the original NGO and 1% by private owners. The new organization still follows the mission and vision of the NGO, but is focused solely on lending. Leon 2000 is regulated by CONAMI in Nicaragua. Although rural loans constitute 68% of their portfolio, Leon 2000 also lends in the cities of Leon, Chinandega, Managua, and Jinotepe with women receiving 73% of all loans.
MICREDITO
Partner Since 2013
MiCrédito’s mission is to create business solutions that include both social and financial support to Micro and Small Entrepreneurs, providing for a more prosperous future. Its vision is to evolve into an institutional bank, in order to contribute to the economic and social development of the Micro and small businesses in Central America.
PRODESA
Partner Since 2005
Near Matagalpa, PRODESA developed to support and empower families of ranchers who have remained strong and independent since before the days of civil war. In addition to financial services, the 21,970 members benefit from a vocational education center and other resources.
PRO MUJER INTERNATIONAL
Partner Since 2017
Pro Mujer is a leading women’s development organization committed to positively impacting the lives of low-income women and their families throughout Latin America. Through a suite of financial, health and skill-building services, Pro Mujer creates opportunities for women to build businesses, gain independence and become powerful agents of change for themselves and their communities.
COMMUNITIES WE SUPPORT
NUEVA GUINEA
Partner Since 1999
Nueva Guinea is a small town of 67,000 located in the Atlantico Sur region of southern Nicaragua. Nueva Guinea was the site of our first microloans in Central America.
FEATURED BORROWER
FEATURED BORROWER
MARIA ISABEL BERMUDEZ
Nueva Guinea, Nicaragua
Marta Isabel Bermudez, is a tortilla maker in Nueva Guinea. She started her business two years ago with a loan for C$ 7000 ($210 USD). The loan was to purchase corn, firewood, vegetables, and curdcheese. She is able to make her own profits, employ 3 women and support her family.
MARIA ISABEL BERMUDEZ
Nueva Guinea, Nicaragua
Marta Isabel Bermudez, is a tortilla maker in Nueva Guinea. She started her business two years ago with a loan for C$ 7000 ($210 USD). The loan was to purchase corn, firewood, vegetables, and curdcheese. She is able to make her own profits, employ 3 women and support her family.
MANAGUA
Partner Since 2015
Managua is the capital and largest city in Nicaragua, home to over one million people. In 1987, Managua was declared a sister city to Madison, Wisconsin, a bond that has remained strong to this day.
FEATURED BORROWER
FEATURED BORROWER
MEYLING HERNANDEZ
Managua, Nicaragua
Meyling Hernández has been a fruit vendor for the past 15 years. She took out her first microloan in May of 2017. Through the new access to capital and credit, she was able to buy land and build a home for herself and her family.