SKS (Swayam Krishi Sangam) is a fast-growing microfinance institution that has benefited enormously from a partnership with Unitus, a non-profit organization that specializes in expanding successful microfinance programs around the world. Before working with Unitus, SKS served 13,000 poor women in the Deccan region of India. Since it partnered with Unitus in 2003, SKS has expanded its borrower base by 1,000%, to 130,000 women. It has even won the coveted Grameen Foundation USA Excellence Award for “bringing industry-leading financial services to poor families in India.”

Microcredit can be used to start many types of business - from a refreshment stand to a bike-rental service.

SKS also provides employment for over 400 people. For example, S.K. Pahima, an Indian woman, had no steady income and struggled to make ends meet. After SKS started a microfinance program in her village, she received a loan for $175 and eventually started a bike-rental service. After receiving additional loans from SKS, she expanded her business, and soon was making $131 per month, enough to support herself and her family. In 2005, she joined SKS as a loan officer and now helps others like her rise out of poverty.

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PRWeb: 'Unitus Microfinance Institution Partner SKS Microfinance (SKS) Wins Grameen Foundation Award' (PDF)

Swayam Krishi Sangam

Unitus: Borrower Success Stories

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