Causes: Economic Development, International, International Development, International Economic Development, Microfinance, Small Business Development

Mission: Creating opportunities that empower Guatemalan women to build a better life. Our vision is Empowered women choosing their own path.

Results: In 2021 Friendship Bridge served 32,310 clients, and disbursed $20.5 million in new loans. Friendship Bridge is certified as a Great Place to Work® in Central America and the Caribbean for 2021-2022.Third-party research by our partners at 60 Decibels revealed that:97% of clients said that the quality of their life had improved. 94% of our clients earn more money because of Friendship Bridge. 94% of clients say their ability to plan their finances has increased.

Target demographics: Rural, impoverished women in Guatemala

Direct beneficiaries per year: In 2021, Friendship Bridge empowered 32,310 Guatemalan women with microcredit and education.

Geographic areas served: 11 departments throughout Guatemala

Programs: We offer a Microcredit Plus program which provides microcredit combined with additional education and health services to create opportunities that empower Guatemalan women to build a better life. Non-formal education programs complement our microcredit services to provide clients with a hand up for their businesses. Education provides them with an asset for life — skills and knowledge to create sustainable change for themselves, their children, and their communities. Education lessons cover topics clients identified as most important – business, women’s rights, health, and family. Our Health for Life program provides health education and services to Friendship Bridge clients. In partnership with Wuqu’ Kawoq (Maya Health Alliance) culturally sensitive services are provided via mobile clinics that travel to the villages where our clients live. Each clinic is staffed by female medical staff fluent in the indigenous languages our clients speak.