Female entrepreneurs in the developed world tread a rocky road getting their businesses off the ground; but those in developing countries have even more obstacles in their path.

A Christmas Gift Card from World Vision Microloans is a way of giving to a loved one which also gives a hand up to an entrepreneurial woman living in poverty.

Launched for Christmas 2011, the scheme enables the recipient of the gift card to choose a hard-working entrepreneur to invest in. Microloans are small loans, given to people living in poverty who run small businesses around the world. The loan enables them to buy a sewing machine, a bike, agricultural supplies.... whatever will put their families on the pathway to success which is why, unlike many other charity gifts, a Microloans Gift Card is not a handout, but a hand up.

68% of World Vision Microloans recipients are female and running businesses across the textile and agricultural sectors

Choosing to buy a World Vision Microloans Gift Card means your festive spirit and generosity will not get pushed towards the back of a drawer, but will be invested in budding entrepreneurs in the third world who will then be in a position to provide for themselves and their family.

Microloans empower individuals to overcome the vicious cycle of poverty; a massive 93.4% of loans are repaid in full to World Vision which is then recycled and reinvested  to help someone else start a business. By giving a World Vision Microloans Gift Card, your money is constantly being used to alleviate global poverty.

Agnes’ Story

In 2004 Rwandan officials initiated a nationwide ban to curb littering, leading to a ban of plastic disposable bags. When most people saw this as a nuisance, Agnes Mukashyaka saw it as a small business opportunity. Agnes seized the opportunity to produce long-lasting shopping bags in compliance with the government standards.

Agnes and 18 other women formed a co-operative called “Korujyimbere,” which means “work for development.” They each pulled their resources and talents together and began producing shopping bags. After applying for a loan, they received £320, enabling them begin making an even larger profit.

Agnes’s small business is just the beginning. She is already making over three times her original wage and is now able to support her large family and provide her children with the hope of a brighter future.

How do the Gift Cards Work?

• Gifts can be given in the form of a printed Gift Card or an E-Card with a personalised note
• Once the gift has been received, the gift card holder goes to www.microloans.worldvision.org.uk and chooses an entrepreneur from the online catalogue
• The funds from the gift card go to the selected recipient to help her/him set up their business
• World Vision Microloans provides donors with mid-terms and final reports on their recipient, so that they are kept updated on the recipients they support
• Once they are in a position to do so, the entrepreneur repays the loan to World Vision and the organisation then recycles this loan to a new small business owner

Visit www.microloans.worldvision.org.uk to find out more and buy a gift card.