OUR PROJECTS
The Educational Micro-lending Program
The Educational Microcredit Program (EMLP) is Apoyo's core program. Over the past decade, EMLP has helped more than 300 individuals and cooperatives start their own income-generating businesses by providing microcredit loans and workshops and support services. These interest-free loans cost between 5,000 and 7,000 pesos (approximately $350 USD), and workshops range from leadership and teamwork skills to overcoming personal obstacles and writing a solid business plan.
EMLP, unlike most microlenders, requires all applicants to attend its workshops to be eligible for a loan. This requirement serves two purposes: it gives Apoyo the opportunity to get to know the entrepreneurs and their projects better before granting a loan; and it improves applicants' chances of having a successful business once the loan is granted. Afterward, loan recipients stay in close communication with Apoyo through its mentoring program. The repayment rate exceeds 87.5 percent. Apoyo's assistance enables budding entrepreneurs to realize their dreams, support their families, and become role models and catalysts for positive economic and social change in their communities.
The EMLP seeks to empower poor entrepreneurs by increasing access to business credit, providing interest-free loans, and, most importantly, providing technical and leadership training. Support for New Entrepreneurs enables them to realize their dreams, become catalysts for positive economic and social change in their communities, and enable them to support their families.
Rural Women's Network (MAMÁS)
Healthy and informed women are stronger women. A project designed to empower women to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families. Apoyo aims to provide an environment where women encourage and learn from each other and, in turn, strengthen their communities.
This project aims to improve the well-being of the family unit in poor rural villages by educating women, raising awareness about healthy living, and teaching women skills so they can create and maintain a nutritious food supply and generate income-generating activities. They can sell their produce with their new skills and new financial values, enabling them to become financially independent.
Vocational Center
Throughout the state of Guanajuato, in every neighborhood and rural community, employment opportunities, and in turn, community economic development, are limited due to a lack of skills, training, and preparation for citizens—both men and women, young and old. The vocational training center provides the facilities, equipment, teachers, and environment to train and equip members of our society in technical skills and trades so they can escape poverty and dependency and become productive, economically secure, and serve as role models for their local community.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that impact the organization
At Apoyo, we work to generate a positive impact on society through our programs. Our approach is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to poverty reduction, quality education, gender equality, and sustainable economic development.
At Apoyo, every effort is aimed at generating positive and sustainable change. Through our programs, we work every day to build a world with greater opportunity, equity, and well-being for all.
SDG 1: End Poverty
Poverty remains one of the greatest global challenges. Through our interest-free microcredit and self-employment training programs, we provide tools for people in vulnerable situations to improve their living conditions sustainably. By offering economic opportunities, we promote financial inclusion and strengthen small businesses that generate stable income for families.
SDG4: Quality Education
We believe that education is the key to transforming lives. Our vocational center offers training in trades and practical skills, enabling beneficiaries to access better employment opportunities. Additionally, the MAMAS program trains women in health, environmental issues, and entrepreneurship, providing them with essential knowledge for their personal and community development. Education not only empowers individuals but also strengthens the social and economic fabric of their communities.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
Women, especially in rural communities, face significant challenges in accessing economic and educational opportunities. Our MAMAS program promotes female leadership, providing training and support so women can become entrepreneurs, generate income, and improve their quality of life. We also promote gender equality within our initiatives, ensuring that everyone has access to the same opportunities, regardless of their gender.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Decent employment is a fundamental pillar for sustainable development. Through training and access to microcredit, we promote entrepreneurship and job creation in productive sectors. Our goal is to improve the working conditions of people in vulnerable situations, promoting business formalization, and ensuring inclusive economic growth that benefits the entire community.
SDG 10: Reducing Inequalities
Economic and social gaps limit the development of many people. We work to ensure that those living in vulnerable conditions have access to resources and opportunities that allow them to improve their well-being. Through our programs, we promote the inclusion of historically marginalized groups and strengthen
SDG 17: Partnerships to Achieve the Goals
We believe in the power of collaborative work. To expand our impact, we establish strategic partnerships with organizations, companies, and governments that share our mission. Through these collaborations, we strengthen our programs, ensure the sustainability of our initiatives, and reach more people in need. Only through cooperation and joint commitment can we build a more just and equitable future for all.
