Zafèn Haitian Microfinance Effort Nears $150k in First Six Months
In 2009, the Vincentian Family (a religious group that draws inspiration from St. Vincent de Paul) and Fonkoze (Haiti’s largest micro-lender) initiated a pilot project, named Zafen, that allows people to loan or donate to businesses in Haiti. The website showcases businesses that have been subject to due diligence, provides easy online access for reviewing them, and offers Haitian entrepreneurs access to capital for expanding their operations. In its first six months, Zafen raised $140,000 and provided funding for 300 projects ranging from coffee cultivation to community dairies. An official press release follows. Take a look at the Zafen website as well.
