Making financing requirements
less restrictive
Inclusion:
Key Findings:
In the focus group discussion on successful loan applications, we explored a range of factors that can contribute to a successful loan application, including:
-
business-to-business (B2B) models with high-profile customers
-
high cash flows
-
availability of physical asset collateral such as log books and land titles.
-
Additionally, some participants reported that microfinance institutions (MFIs) are easier to approach for loans and that women are more successful in securing loans from MFIs.
The restrictions that women entrepreneurs face include:
-
Contract financing is only available to clients within the bank or companies known by the bank
-
Banks generally prefer to lend to salaried individuals or long-term stable businesses
Why are grants more appealing?
-
Grants often come with non-financial support, such as coaching, mentoring, business modeling, and training
-
Grants can help create local and international networks
-
Grant programs often incorporate client feedback to improve the program and funding implementation
