MicroEnsure is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Opportunity International, a non-profit organization that provides small business loans, savings, insurance and training to people living in poverty in the developing world. Clients in almost 30 countries use these financial services to start or expand a business, develop a steady income, provide for their families and create jobs for their neighbors. Motivated by Jesus Christ's call to serve the poor, Opportunity International serves all people regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or gender.

Opportunity International was founded in 1971 by two visionary leaders who were moved by the hunger and poverty of people in developing countries. Al Whittaker, former president of Bristol Myers International Corporation in America, and Australian entrepreneur David Bussau sought a solution that would transform people's lives without creating dependency. Opportunity was one of the first nonprofit organizations to recognize the benefits of providing microloans as capital to those working their way out of poverty.

In 1992, Opportunity International began to focus on serving poor entrepreneurs at even lower levels of poverty. The Women's Opportunity Network was formed and started an innovative group-lending methodology called the Trust Group.  Trust Groups bring together 15 to 40 poor entrepreneurs who guarantee each other's loans.  Members meet weekly with loan officers to repay their loans and receive business and personal development training.

In 1998, the Opportunity International Network was formed. Funds from individuals, governments, corporations and foundations funnel into the Opportunity International Network, which operates 43 programs in 27 developing countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. These programs are led, managed and staffed largely by indigenous professionals who understand the culture of the people they serve and the challenges and opportunities of the local marketplace.

In 2000, Opportunity International began establishing full-service microfinance banks for the poor, allowing clients to earn interest on savings in a safe, secure location, in addition to gaining access to its credit facilities. To date, Opportunity International has built 17 such institutions in 16 countries.

Today, Opportunity International serves more than one million loan clients.

www.opportunity.net