Problem

As part of the Shipibo's alternative development plan for the region they have decided that they would like to establish an indigenous bank where indigenous entrepreneurs can get access to small loans to start businesses. The Organization for the Defense and Development of the Indigenous Peoples of the Peruvian Amazon will run the bank out of their offices. Many people in the communities migrate to the cities in search of work. This program will help to build the community-based economy.

The Gift

This gift will provide the opportunity for an indigenous entrepreneur to start a small business. Village Earth has already worked with entrepreneurs in Peru to start a bread making business and a Shipibo women to start a business selling shoes in the communities. This little bit of extra income for the families allows them to be able to pay the school fees of their children and medical expenses that they generally cannot afford. Loans will range in size from $50 to $500 to begin.