Entrepreneurship and Microfinance
During spring break of the 22-23 academic year, ABP conducted a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico to focus on social entrepreneurship. Trip participants volunteered with En Via, a nonprofit that works to empower women by giving them access to microfinance loans. Participants learn about the impacts of these loans, work with clients of En Via, and more!
Below is the slideshow presented at the trip informational associated with the trip:
Microfinance and Economic Development
Investing in Small Businesses through KIVA
If you’re interested in working on this issue outside ABP, consider investing in a small business through KIVA. You’ll have a 96% chance of getting your money back and can reinvest the money you gain into other businesses. This process helps foster economic development, particularly among women and within impoverished areas.
Trockman Microfinance Initiative (TMI) at IU
If you’re an IU student, think about joining Trockman Microfinance Initiative (TMI). Just like ABP, TMI is a student organization that falls under the Kelley Institute for Social Impact (KISI). Through TMI, students can participate in consulting projects to assist international microfinance organizations, travel to areas like Mexico or Guatemala, collaborate with related nonprofits, create stock pitches, research reports, and more.
For information about TMI’s current activities or updates on the application process, check out the Instagram page.
If you are a local nonprofit interested in being featured here, fill out this form.
“This trip has changed my perspective in the importance of supporting small entrepreneurs and how much effort one can put into their business. The women we met work extremely hard for a small benefit, all while taking care of their family and other responsibilities outside of being a provider. Having the opportunity to be able to support them makes all the difference to them and can help them to grow as business individuals.”
“I learned a lot about the values of the people we were working with. They seemed way more family and community oriented and it changed my perspective by making me more appreciative for my family, and it makes me want to have a more positive impact on my community. Additionally, Seeing a community with less wealth made me realize I should be more grateful for what I have. ”
“One highlight of the trip was the group that I traveled with. Everyone was very intelligent, so having introspective conversations during our reflections was beneficial. Everyone made me laugh too which made everything more enjoyable.”