BOSTON, Sept. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- For the fifth consecutive year, global microfinance pioneer ACCION International has joined Citigroup Foundation to honor hundreds of microentrepreneurs in 23 developing countries -- those individuals who demonstrate sustainability, responsibility and creativity in their businesses. The program has been designed to highlight the critical role that microfinance can play in alleviating global poverty and strengthening impoverished communities worldwide.

ACCION first designed the awards on behalf of Citigroup in 2001, with the objective of promoting microenterprise and increasing international awareness about the need for financial services for the poor. Since then, the program has grown significantly; this year, Citigroup has committed $1.375 million to the program. ACCION is coordinating the awards in eight of the 23 countries where it will be held: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Peru, Venezuela, and Uganda. The awards will also be presented in Bangladesh, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Russia, and South Africa.

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