1 in 7 Americans live in poverty, many of whom are women trying to start microenterprises but lack access to fair capital. Grameen America and ACCION USA address this need through providing small, affordable loans along with financial training and mentoring. Both organizations have high repayment rates and help borrowers establish credit histories and savings. The microloans empower low-income individuals, especially women, to invest in small businesses and create jobs in their communities.

1. Microfinance in Our Backyard Hosted by Grameen America & ACCION USA

3. 20 million microenterprises in the United States, but less than 1% are receiving credit or business assistance

4. 400%-3,000% interest rates are charged by some alternative lenders, such as loan sharks and fringe banks“FY 2008 Program Performance Data Overview”. FIELD: Aspen Institute

5. Impediments to Domestic Entrepreneurs Loan amounts offered too big Most banks issue loans averaging $194,000 There are 700 microenterprise programs in the U.S., 369 have a loan average of $35,000 Poor credit history Min. Required = mid 650s Avg. = mid 750’s Insufficient business history Businesses are start-ups, off the books, initial phases Group vs. Individual Independent business culture Looser ties to community Gender Breakdown Men primary owners of small businesses Barrier to Entry Start up and operational costs are much higher

7. Financial Literacy and education opportunities

8. Mentoringand strong support network to build communities

10. Maximum first loan is $1500

11. 6 to 12 month terms

12. Lent out $17MM

14. Minimum $2 per week savings encouraged

16. Many borrowers have no prior credit history

19. Grameen America Borrowers Live below the poverty line Average income in 2009 was $15,000 90% single mothers Interest and determination to start a business Nowadays there are not many jobs out there so someway we need to survive. We’re making it and Grameen America has helped us do that. - Lisette, GA Borrower

20. Facts about ACCION USA History: Pilot program in Brooklyn, New York in 1991 Locations: New York, Boston, Atlanta, Miami and Internet loans (serving over 46 States) ACCION USAempowers entrepreneurs to invest in their business, family and community through financial literacy and capital.

21. ACCION USA Portfolio 65% Latino 20% African American 40% Women

23. 90% are minority

24. 75% have lived in U.S. over 10 years

25. 38% are home-based businesses

26. 45% are first-time borrowers20% African American Source: 2009 Impact Study and ACCION USA Portfolio as of 12/31/2010

28. Have not have declared bankruptcy in the past 12 months or foreclosure in the past 24 months

29. Have not had any late rent or mortgage payments in the past 12 months

30. Be up-to-date on all bills

31. Exhibit steady cash flow and the ability to support monthly loan payments.

34. Social Entrepreneurship and Microfinance with Susan Davis and Jessica Jackley

35. Adam Davidson from NPR’s Planet Money

36. Student price $75, one-day tickets are now available for non-students. Register today at www.microfinanceusaconference.org