We believe in the power of enterprise to reduce global poverty.
Past Initiatives
Explore highlights from SEEP's 26-year history of working toward sustainable incomes in every household.
Network Strengthening for Client Protection
(2011-2012)
Funded by the USAID Microenterprise Development Office, the Network Strengthening for Client Protection initiative was a joint effort between SEEP and the Smart Campaign to build the capacity of 20 microfinance networks to train their member institutions on client protection best practices.
The Rural Agriculture Finance and Food Security Practitioner Learning Program
(2007-2011)
RAFFS PLP was an action-learning project focused on approaches to and connections between rural and agricultural finance and household well-being, including food security. It envisioned that rural households and enterprises would have increasing finance options that serve their needs and contribute to a vibrant rural economy both on and off the farm.
Citi Regional Network Strengthening Program
(2010 – 2011)
This program worked with regional microfinance networks on enhancing their members' operational, technical, and financial capacities.
Citi Network Strengthening Program
(2007 – 2010)
This program aimed to increase the capacity and scale of the microfinance sector by strengthening the operational, technical, and financial capacities of 12 national and regional microfinance associations. The participating associations added 300 members, 18 million clients and $13 billion in portfolio over the course of the program.
Ford Foundation Social Indicators Project
(2007 – 2010)
This initiative served to develop social indicators that the microfinance industry could use to provide greater transparency on the social performance bottom line. Through workshops and publications, SEEP shared the project's findings, including sampling techniques, practical aspects of implementing a social indicators program, and arguments for why MFIs should collect data on social indicators.
Building Alliances to Serve HIV & AIDS Impacted Communities in Sub-Saharan Africa (BASICS)
(2008 – 2009)
This initiative strengthened partnerships between microfinance and enterprise development organizations and local community-based organizations in order to better serve clients affected by HIV and AIDS.
Learning Network for Enterprise Development Implementation Grant Program
(2006 – 2009)
This program encouraged learning, discussion, and publication on issues in value chain development, including constraints, social and environmental objectives, and standards.
Learning Network for Financial Services Implementation Grant Program
(2007 – 2009)
This program encouraged learning, discussion, and publication on offering financial services to poor and other vulnerable populations. The network produced 12 learning products over the course of the program.
Poverty Assessment Tools Field Testing
(2003 – 2004)
Participants in this program field-tested poverty assessment tools with promise for potential replication in diverse settings and institutions.
