Grameen America

Grameen America is a nonprofit microfinance organization based in New York City that provides small business microloans and financial services to low-income women entrepreneurs across the United States. It is modeled on the Grameen Bank concept pioneered in Bangladesh, which has been recognized globally for its work in expanding financial access for people living in poverty.

Grameen America is a CDFI, a Community Development Financial Institution, certified by the US Treasury. CDFIs are mission-driven organizations focused on expanding access to affordable financial services in underserved communities. Grameen America specifically focuses on women who are living in poverty and want to start or grow a small business.

Grameen America operates through a group lending model. Borrowers form small groups and receive loans collectively. Group members support each other in their businesses and in meeting repayment obligations. This model is designed to build community, accountability and peer support among entrepreneurs.

Loans from Grameen America are microloans, meaning they are small by the standards of conventional business lending. The organization provides relatively low loan amounts, typically starting very small for first-time borrowers, with the potential to access larger amounts over time as members establish a repayment track record.

Grameen America also provides financial education, training and access to savings accounts as part of its broader mission to support the financial health of its members.

Grameen America operates in multiple cities across the United States. If you are a low-income woman entrepreneur looking for a small amount of startup or working capital and want the support of a nonprofit lender with a community-based model, Grameen America is worth exploring.