Initiating microfinancing and micro-enterprises for a whole city sub-district

In 2015, YPSA surveyed 1,250 persons with disabilities in Sitakund and organized them into 50 self-help groups. Based on their socio-economic background and personal interest, 250 persons were selected to receive interest-free loans, vocational training as well as support to establish their own businesses.

Young Power in Social Actions (YPSA) is a non-profit social development organization working in Bangladesh. Together with the Disability Rights Fund (which acts as the organization’s advocacy partner) and the Sitakund Federation, YPSA provides microfinancing opportunities and vocational training for people with disabilities living in the Sitakund sub-district of Chittagong. In 2015, YPSA surveyed 1,250 persons with disabilities, 250 of whom were selected for an interest-free micro-financing programme based on their socio-economic condition and personal interests

Problems Targeted

People with disabilities living in the Sitakund sub-district of Chittagong have very limited job opportunities and almost no microfinancing options.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

YPSA surveyed 1,250 persons with disabilities and organized them into 50 self-help groups, where they contribute part of their income to a general pool to create a fund from which group members can borrow as needed, such as for supporting their healthcare, education, and housing. Based on their socio- economic background and personal interest, 250 persons were selected to receive interest-free loans of US$250 each. These persons also received vocational training courses and were given technical support and guidance to establish their own businesses, such as tailoring, cow rearing, poultry and dairy farming, 
 and tea stalls. Some engage in the production of handicraft items made out of bamboo, cane, and other local materials. They meet their customers – mostly from the local community – in a market once a week, were no rent is charged for their sales stands. To date, approximately 100 of the micro-enterprises have proven successful, and some have even taken a second loan to expand their business.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

This initiative has a total annual cost of US$47,000 and is partly funded by the Government of Bangladesh and the Disability Rights Fund. YPSA itself has contributed US$16,387. After the current funding expires in 2017, YPSA intends to secure funding for another two years, and is planning to replicate the project in other areas.

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