PROJECT SUMMARY

Opportunity International Canada has partnered with Opportunity International Colombia (AGAPE) to oversee the Transformational Microcredit Expansion in Colombia project. The project is designed to provide microcredit services and transformational training to 12,950 poor microentrepreneurs while targeting the vulnerable people internally displaced by Colombia’s ongoing civil conflict. The expansion is expected to cost $3.2 million with AGAPE contributing $1.2 million in loan funds and Opportunity Canada contributing $2 million to assist with operational, capital expenditure, and capacity building costs until the project becomes sustainable.

PROJECT GOALS

• Expand client outreach in the areas in most need by establishing five new AGAPE branches in the existing market areas of Barranquilla, (Atlantico), Cartagena, (Bolivar), and Santa Marta (Magdalena) in 2007 and 2008. Opportunity Canada and AGAPE expect to positively impact the lives of 12,950 families.

• Become a national leader in providing credit to one of Colombia’s most vulnerable populations, the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of the Colombian armed conflict. Of the 12,950 poor microentrepreneurs AGAPE and Opportunity Canada plan to reach, 1,750 of them will be Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)

• Deepen the Transformational impact on the lives of clients. Funding is provided to expand AGAPE’s Transformation program and to establish the Transformation Loan Fund. This fund will assist with 2 initiatives – youth and community loans. It is expected 400 youth will benefit from this program.