The Tibetan Women Microentrepreneurship Project improves livelihoods for vulnerable low-income women in India, in particular single mothers. The project provides small grants and personalized mentoring for women to grow their microbusinesses and gain access to new markets.

Our team works with each woman to conduct market research, develop simple business plans, source raw materials and equipment, register products with licensing authorities, and build market links to reach more customers. Women beneficiaries include nomad textile weavers, small restaurant owners, home producers of chili sauce and tsampa, and artisans selling thangka paintings, prayer flags, and traditional dresses. Following our support they report having new confidence and skills to run their businesses and more income for their families. Please click here to read a beneficiary impact story.

In Nepal we support hundreds of microenterprises through a community managed revolving fund program. Co-designed with a team of microfinance experts and local partners, this program is now active in ten Tibetan settlements and has a repayment rate above 95%. Borrowers pool their savings, manage their own loan repayments, and receive training in financial literacy, goal setting and expense analysis. In Nepal we also work with two local organizations that support microentrepreneurs in Kathmandu. Vulnerable Tibetans receive seed funds, training and mentoring to start new microenterprises. Please click here to read a beneficiary impact story.