One of the greatest ways to change the world is not only to give people a hand, but to give them a means to change their lives forever.  This change can be facilitated through education, training, or the right tools.  However, there is something else that is often missing: proper financing.  Any businessperson knows that the best-laid plans can collapse without capitalization.  Opportunity International saw this need in developing countries and created financial vehicles that provide the means to change their lives and their communities.

Opportunity International was founded over forty years ago by two businessmen Al Whittaker and David Bussau.  Although they came from different parts of the world (America and Australia), both sought a solution to help those in need.  Their idea was to set up a loan program to help the smallest of businesses.  The two men realized that, for many of their clients, a loan of under $100 could make all the difference.  Combining their crusade to serve others with a successful business model, they began a charity that would help people finance their way out of poverty. 

In 1992, a new program using a trust group method was created and named the Women’s Opportunity Network (“WON”).  WON consisted of a network of entrepreneurs that would pool their money and guarantee the loans of the group.  Similar to how a venture capitalist finds new startups, each group finds businesses that are short of capital, finances them, and helps them grow.

Opportunity International did not stop at loans.  In the new millennium, it has added financial institutions and modern technology to give even the most rural of clients ready access to cash.  To help reduce risk for clients, an inexpensive micro-insurance business was formed that covered such devastating catastrophes such as crop destruction, Aids, or other health related issues.  These are just the latest ways that Opportunity International helps individuals through the financial tools that any business needs to succeed.