Activity Description: In addition to providing microfinance services, NGO Opportunity International offers its clients microenterprise development services that include business training, mentoring, financial planning and leadership development.

Essential to Opportunity International's microenterprise model are its Trust Banks. These banks encourage local entrepreneurs to form groups of 15 to 40 individuals, who in turn elect a leader, and apply for a single group loan. Upon receipt of the loan, group members meet weekly for sessions including business and leadership training.

These services combined with a unique global network that allows for both worldwide reach and local expertise has helped Opportunity International achieve a 98-percent loan payback on its microfinancing.

The network structure unites 42 Implementing Partners and six Support Partner organizations, working in 27 countries. The Implementing Partners work with local professionals (who understand the culture and local economy) as they recruit loan officers to work with local clients and Trust Banks. Partner Organizations work in six countries in advocacy, public education, financial support for loan programs, and obtaining grants for training, technical assistance, research, and management information systems.