Before starting work in a country, the Opportunity Network identifies regions where microfinance and other support services would have the greatest impact. These are countries where there is a free market for buying and selling and where the main issues facing the economically disadvantaged are income generation and employment.

Rather than build a new organization from the ground up, Opportunity International typically partners with existing microfinance organizations that are capable of substantial social impact and operational sustainability. Opportunity's main expertise is in resourcing smaller microfinance organizations to become major players in overcoming poverty within their country.

When choosing a member organization, we consider two sets of criteria:

1. Mission alignment

Our members must share our values and objectives. We look for microfinance institutions:

• with the primary objective of helping people lift themselves out of poverty
• that work in the largely underserved regions
• operating within a market that exhibits a relevant 'gap', with conditions that are favourable for microfinance
• with sound future strategies, showing continued intent to lift people out of poverty
• that demonstrate commitment to client satisfaction and impact

2. Performance and leadership credentials

In order to properly exercise stewardship, we need to see that our members can operate sustainably. We look for microfinance institutions with:

• excellent, inspiring leadership
• strong risk management and governance
• a solid operating platform and capable staff
• good financial performance and an ability to manage significant growth
• comprehensive business plans and projections underpinning a sound future
• a history of financial self-sufficiency or, for start-ups, a forecast to be so within two years