The micro-enterprise program is the next step for those who have successfully paid back a loan from their Savings Group and have a desire to move into a business. At this stage Hands of Freedom works with individuals to help them plan and vet their business ideas. The program provides a unique set of mentoring and training services.
Regardless of caste or religion, Hands of Freedom offers:
- Training on starting and operating a business
- Leadership mentoring and development
- Start-up capital ranging from $350 – $2,000
The mentoring component/approach extends beyond the actual business and into the family lives of those that participate in the program. One of the conditions is that loan recipients must get their children in school – the value and necessity of an education for the children is paramount. Where schools do not exist, Hands of Freedom works with the community to find alternatives and/or plant schools.
Hands of Freedom Entrepreneurship Training
Hands of Freedom plans to start a school of entrepreneurship for the poor. The goal of this training center is to provide vocational, technical and financial literacy training along with personal development coaching. We believe this is key to helping the poor build confidence and take the step to becoming entrepreneurs
Hands of Freedom Business Incubator
Hands of Freedom has launched a business incubator model to test small businesses in the local market. Those test businesses proving to be successful will be rolled out via the microfinance groups. We have found that many times the poor do not have the capacity or resources to research business opportunities. As part of our innovation value we are beginning to research opportunities that we can introduce to our micro finance members. The microfinance members will be provided business expertise to help launch these businesses.
