Opportunity International was one of the first non-profit organizations to recognize small-scale entrepreneurs as big change agents in overcoming global poverty. Today, aspiring entrepreneurs in over 20 countries use our microfinance services to start or expand a business, develop a steady income, provide for their families and create jobs for their neighbours.

Timeline

Opportunity International was founded by two visionary leaders, Al Whittaker and David Bussau, who were moved to respond to the hunger and poverty afflicting people around the world. On different continents, they each sought a solution that would transform people's lives without creating dependency. Later, their organizations, united by this common goal, merged to form Opportunity International.

1971 – While traveling in the developing world, Al Whittaker asked a group of locals, "What do you need?" They answered, "We need work. With jobs, we will solve our own problems." Whittaker acted on that answer and founded a microlending program in Latin America in 1971.

Canadian Ross Clemenger went on to give out the program's first loan to a Colombian named Carlos Moreno who ran a successful spice factory. Within two years, Moreno expanded his operation to 11 employees, all with families to support.

1976 - David Bussau, an Australian entrepreneur, founded a similar job creation program in Indonesia which later expanded throughout Asia.

1988 - The two organizations officially merged and Opportunity International was born.

1998 – Opportunity International Canada got its start when a dedicated group led by David Stiller founded the first Canadian board. The same year, the Opportunity International Network was formed.

2003 – After more than 30 years of steady growth, Opportunity lends more than $200 million in 2003 alone.

2011 – Opportunity now serves more than 2 million people (84% women) in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America with a wide range of financial services and business training.