Espoir 22
For women in Ecuador, unemployment is almost twice as common as for men: in 2025, 4.1% of women in Ecuador were out of work, compared to 2.8% of men. In addition, women are more likely to earn a living in the informal economy. Espoir supports female entrepreneurs in starting their own businesses through group loans.
The project
Ecuador has one of the highest rates of female entrepreneurship in the world, yet women have more difficulty accessing financial products. Many of them earn money in the informal sector: caring for their families takes up much of their time, and formal jobs are scarce in remote areas. Running their own business offers a way forward, and with group loans from NGO Espoir, financing comes within reach.
Espoir backs female entrepreneurship with group loans and guidance. Each group consists of five to eight women who stand surety for one another's loans. When a member falls behind on repayment, the others cover for her. This model offers more than access to credit: the women find security in each other and build a close-knit network.
At recurring meetings, the women exchange experiences and pick up new skills. This boosts their confidence and strengthens their economic position, at home and beyond. A group loan is therefore more than money alone: it gives women room to grow, lead the way for others, and create financial independence.
Will you contribute to equal opportunities for women in Ecuador?
- Annual interest rate: 6.5%
- With an investment of €1,000, the expected total repayment is approximately €1,065
- Maturity: 18 months
- Repayments: Every 6 months. You will receive a repayment, including interest, every 6 months. Meaning there will be 3 repayments in total.
Currency: Dollar. Please note that although you invest in euros, the loan is in dollars, so there is a risk of exchange rate fluctuations between dollars and euros. Visit our page on exchange rate risks for more information.
Espoir
Impact
In Ecuador, where Espoir operates, access to financing is a lifeline, especially in rural areas, where poverty affects nearly half the population and extreme poverty is alarmingly high. While financial hardship exists nationwide, rural entrepreneurs face even greater barriers to securing capital. Women, who make up the majority of Espoir’s borrowers, often have the hardest time accessing resources to grow their businesses. That’s why Espoir goes beyond microcredit, combining financial support with business education and health services across six provinces. By equipping low-income entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed, Espoir fosters long-term economic resilience and stronger communities.
- Percentage of female borrowers: 72%
- 94% of Espoir's borrowers say their quality of life improved in at least one way. Source: Survey conducted by 60dB.
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