In 1971, Ross Clemenger of Alberta gave one of the first loans of the modern microfinance movement to spice maker Carlos Moreno in Colombia. Since that time, the ties between Opportunity International and Colombia have strengthened dramatically. We currently serve over 15,000 clients in several Colombian cities. For many years our dream has been to set up a formal bank so we can scale up our work across the country and offer additional services like savings and insurance.

Opportunity International Canada has helped launch two innovative programs in Colombia. In partnership with Compassion International, the Youth Entrepreneurship program aims to provide 400 teenagers with a one-year after-school program to learn practical business skills and start their own enterprise. Our Roof and Floor Loans give existing Opportunity clients the ability to access favourable home improvement loans to shield families against Colombia's torrential rainy season.

Support a Village of Opportunity in Colombia