Haiti’s years of political instability have hindered economic development, limiting access to adequate financial literacy training and basic banking. Women, who are most often left out of financial conversations entirely in Haiti, are at the forefront of our Economic Development programs, as we aim to build more inclusive, thriving communities.
Economic Development
Intelligence and ability are equally distributed throughout the world, but access to economic opportunity is not. We’re working to change that in Haiti.
Poverty Alleviation
Through Economic Opportunity
To reduce inequality, promote economic growth, and build an inclusive and cohesive society, Hope for Haiti invests in social entrepreneurs, rural savings groups, financial literacy education, and small businesses. Here is a summary of the impact made possible through your support in fiscal year 2023:
126,230
in support provided to businesses and individuals in southern Haiti through loans, micro-loans, grants, or cash voucher assistance (CVA)
2,446
Saved by Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) across VSLA programs established by Hope for Haiti
2,140
Seedlings planted in school nurseries
"My profits used to range between 4,000 and 6,000 gourdes (local currency) per day, equivalent to approximately $35-$53 USD. Through this project, I can make sales of up to 50,000 gourdes per day (equivalent to approximately $442 USD). With the profits, I can pay for my child’s schooling and medical needs. My family is better nourished thanks to this project as well.”
- Walta Néréus, Small Business Owner and Digital Cash Assistance (DCA) Program Participant
Economic Development Program Initiatives
- Village Savings & Loans Associations (VSLAs)
- Grants & Loans
- Entrepreneurship Initiatives
- School Gardens
Village Savings & Loans Associations (VSLAs)
Hope for Haiti has established 18 Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) groups in rural communities throughout the Sud Department and is in the process of creating additional ones. Participation in a VSLA provides a safety net that enhances an individual’s capacity to save and borrow, allowing women to be active participants in responding to emergencies and bringing practical and effective solutions to light. Our VSLA groups empower women to be more financially literate and autonomous, giving them more financial freedom for themselves and their families.
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Grants & Loans
Hope for Haiti makes loans of up to $100,000 and grants of up to $30,000 to support business start-ups and entrepreneurs, bolstering economic development and creating local jobs. Participating business owners are trained by our team to digitize their operations, improving inventory and profit tracking. By better managing their goods and profits, and enlarging their customer base through cultivation, vendors will be able to more consistently provide affordable foods to their communities.
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Entrepreneurship Initiatives
Our Economic Development team collaborates with school leaders to implement entrepreneurship training for students. These sessions aim to equip young people with the skills to, one day, successfully manage their own small- to medium-sized business endeavors, providing for their families and creating local jobs.
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School Gardens
Hope for Haiti supports interactive school gardens to teach students about improved agricultural techniques, reforestation, and nutrition. Fruit and vegetables grown at each garden goes to support school lunch programs.
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More About Our Economic Development Initiatives
Strategic, thoughtful investments and financial education can make all the difference.
Recent Economic Development Program Updates:
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Because inclusive societies are more cohesive ones.
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Learn More About Our Work
Education
Education is the backbone to economic and social development. See how we support students and teachers.
Healthcare
We believe healthcare is a human right, so we’re doing everything we can to make it more accessible in southern Haiti.
Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
Investing in smart water, sanitation, and hygiene programs reduces poverty.
Economic Development
Intelligence and ability are equally distributed throughout the world, but access to economic opportunity is not. We’re working to change that in Haiti.
