Description and Impact

ProWorld Brazil works with a microcredit institution that provides loans of between R$300 and R$15,000 to an underserved market of individuals, groups, and small businesses.   We find this project important because, traditionally, the poor have been viewed as “unbankable” by most banks because of low profit margins from small loans, and perceived risks due to lack of collateral. This means that it is very difficult for low income individuals to gain access to capital. Microcredit is the provision of small, low-interest loans to low-income individuals or groups. It is based on the idea that if traditional banking barriers were lifted, the poor would be able to utilize their resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit to lift themselves out of poverty.

What is the overall goal of the project? The overall goal of this project is to provide low interest loans to individuals or groups and to help them create profitable businesses, while conducting analyses of these businesses, and providing individuals with business training courses to build profitable companies.

• Microcredit – ProWorld gives small loans to low-income individuals and groups that would otherwise be denied traditional banking services.
• Business classes – ProWorld also assists small business owners with educational businesses classes and provides financial advice and support.
   

What's Included

• Homestay with a carefully-screened Brazilian family
• Daily meals
• Health and travel insurance
• Onsite transportation and airport pickup
• Portuguese classes
• Project funding and support
• Cultural and adventure excursions
• 24-hour support from ProWorld Brazil staff
• Access to Casa ProWorld Brazil – unlimited filtered water, wireless internet