Grameen America, Inc.

Grameen America was founded by Nobel Peace Prize recipient Muhammad Yunus with the goal of alleviating poverty and empowering women and communities across the country. The organization's model to achieve this goal is both practical and innovative: women build a team of five, undergo a week of training, and each participant receives a microloan to build her small business. This model is supplemented by weekly support meetings with Grameen staff.

Upon repayment of the initial microloan, Grameen participants may opt to receive larger loans to help expand their businesses.  Ninety-nine percent of loans distributed are repaid. Since 2008, Grameen America has provided support to over 100,000 women.  

PHOTO CREDIT:  GREGORY ANNENBERG WEINGARTEN