As part of our mission, we have established a Micro-loan/ credit program through which we shall avail micro-loans to eligible self-employed Deaf, hard of hearing and disabled individuals who have or want to start businesses of their own.

The program is a result of exclusion of majority Deaf, hard of hearing and disabled people from national and private microfinance services readily available to hearing people, extending micro-loans to the Deaf, hard of hearing and disabled people will enable them secure their employment, improve their income and result in economic independence.

Mission

To create opportunities that lead to healthy communities and financial stability for the disabled.

Benefits of the program

  • Mentorship services
  • Financial management skills and knowledge
  • Fast and easiest way to access business funding
  • Affordable to low income earners and rural poor
  • Little or no collateral security needed.
  • Accessible to persons with disabilities and their families.
  • Regular monitoring of business
  • All small business at all stages ranging from start-up to mature
  • Little or no interest on the loans advanced.

The micro loan is a short term business loan targeting micro-business enterprises for financing any business or productive purpose for start-up or expansion. It can be used to restock business, working capital, and purchase of business assets like machinery, furniture, motorcycles and other equipment. The micro-loan has flexible and regular repayment plans with a minimum period of 3 months and maximum loan period of 24 months.

Features of the program/ Requirements to receive the funds

  • Applicants must be aged between 17 years and above.
  • Applicant has disability or is a parent/ guardian of a person with disability.
  • Applicant should join/be a member of the formed small cluster/Village Savings & Loan Association (VSLA).
  • Each cluster/ VSLA group should demonstrate good teamwork and proper discipline.
  • Applicant should have a savings/current/ loan account with the VSLA.
  • Applicant should have completed a loan application form.
  • Applicant should be a resident within the VSLA designated area of operation.
  • There must be an ongoing business activity/ or should avail a viable business ideas/ proposal and budget for which the loan is sought for.
  • New business ideas do not get charged interest for the initial loan period but existing businesses are charged interest not exceeding 5% payable once at the end of the loan period.
  • VSLA members/ applicants must demonstrate good character and ability to repay their loans.
  • Applicant’s commitment to keep proper records.
  • Applicant’s commitment to attend extensive business training on how to become better business owners and more skilled entrepreneurs.
  • The VSLA should register its members with the Infinity Savings & Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO) which will be registered with according to the government regulations.