Hivos firmly believes that people are well capable of shaping their own futures if they are given the resources to do so. For this reason, Hivos supports microfinance institutions providing facilities to save as well as to take loans to millions of people in developing countries, allowing them to earn their own livings. With business development, Hivos takes this one step further. By offering training and advice we contribute to increasing employment by encouraging professional entrepreneurship. Influencing national policies of developing countries to improve access to financial services, particularly for the poor and marginalised, is another goal.
Alleviating poverty through economic independence
By earning their own living, poor people in developing countries can step out of the cycle of poverty. Running a business not only generates an income for the entrepreneur; it also increases employment rates. Hivos contributes through microfinance but also by encouraging fair trade. Economic sustainability is the number one priority in all of these activities.
Microfinance: Borrowing a future
In the Netherlands you can get a bank loan to set up a hairdresser’s, an agricultural business or an Internet café. However, this is quite different in developing countries. Poor entrepreneurs often do not qualify for a bank loan because they do not own property that can serve as security for the loan or because they do not have a permanent address. Fortunately, an increasing number of local banks provide credit to these entrepreneurs, enabling them to set up their own businesses.
Developing business, creating employment
Business development goes beyond microfinance. Hivos trains and advises small businesses so as to enable them to put more products on the market and sell them at higher prices. In helping small new businesses to flourish, higher incomes are generated and more employment is created.
Facts, figures and results
In 2010, 14 percent of Hivos' total budget was allocated to 58 partner organisations in the fields of financial services and business development.
Policy document Sustainable Economic Development
To Hivos, sustainable development has three important characteristics: it does not compromise the possibilities of future generations, it does not compromise the possibilities of other regions, and it integrates the social, economic and environmental aspects of development. Read more in the policy document.
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