Our microloan and business training programme is at the centre of what we do.

What is a microloan at three:eighteen?

Train.

Groups register and are invited for a 2 day business training course where they come up with their own business idea and are supported in writing a business plan.

 

Loan.

If successful the group is given a loan as start-up capital for their business.

 
 

Mentor.

The business trainer meets with the group every 2-4 weeks to mentor and coach them to be make good business decisions and ‘learn-while-they-do’.

 
 
 

Repay.

The group pay back the loan and decide what to do next. They can grow their business, start a new business or just share the profits. Further loans are available.

Why do we operate the microloan scheme?

  • Access start-up capital.

    Accessing finance is very challenging in Zambia and often comes at crippling interest rates. Giving a loan can unlock potential, allowing groups to buy the initial produce and equipment need to start their business. Our loans are interest free.

  • Grow business skills.

    We want to nurture and grow abilities so that people can support themselves. Practical business training can have a powerful impact on the individuals as they learn to market, plan finances, operations and protect against risks.

  • Sustainability.

    Once a loan is paid back this money can be used again to support other groups, thus going much further than a single donation. In addition most of our recipients are women, who tend to reinvest their profits in their families.

What makes us different?

Empowerment, not handouts.

We know that the people we work with can do it themselves, our trainers are there to give them a little help.

Locally led.

Our business trainers are always based locally. We also work with a local church who know the most vulnerable people in their community and provide an important accountability structure.

Business training and mentoring.

Groups learn to market their product, plan operations and finances, and protect against risk. Our business trainers are with the group from conception to repayment of the loan; training at the start and mentoring throughout.