EnVia

En Vía uses microfinance in order to provide financial tools to self-employed women living in the outskirts of Oaxaca.  Our microloans are completely interest-free, thanks to the funds we channel from responsible tourism into our microfinance program.  Our loan program is based on a number of prerequisites and basic principles that entrepreneurs need to fulfill in order to receive loans:

• En Vía lends exclusively to women. It has been proven that women are more likely to put generated income toward the benefit of their family’s wellbeing.

• We lend to women in groups of 3. This “solidarity model” allows us to lend to women with little or no credit history and no collateral.

• Entrepreneurs must complete 8 money and business management classes before receiving their first loan.

• As they move through the loan process they must attend monthly classes on core concepts of developing a small business and present their businesses to a group of responsible tourists.

• They must invest their loans in their business rather than spend it on other household expenses.  By investing in a business, women are able to generate income in order to both pay back the loan and support themselves and their families.