Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions (GIS) is committed to giving back to the community. As such, following our International Women’s Day events in March 2016, we donated $500 in the honour of our attendees to the non-profit, micro-loan organization Kiva. Kiva allows people to lend money via the Internet to low-income entrepreneurs and students across the world. Brookfield GIS has chosen to donate money to Eunice, a 32-year-old female group leader of 10 farmers in the Webuye District in Kenya. The recipients will use this loan to purchase seeds and fertilizer to plant and farm a total of 5.25 acres. The group will also receive a total of five solar lights, in addition to the ones they will purchase, due to their participation in the One Acre Fund.

The One Acre Fund provides groups of smallholder farmers with seeds and fertilizers on credit, onsite agricultural training, and insurance options. Clients enroll between July and October for the following planting season in February. By purchasing inputs during these months, One Acre Fund is able to take advantage of the historically low farm input prices during this time of year in Kenya.

Because it is a micro-loan, our “donation” to Eunice will be paid back within 11 months, and we will be able to reloan the money out to another female entrepreneur in a vulnerable group, and in this way, encourage female entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the burgeoning green economy. Together, we can help support female-led businesses and endeavours all around the world, and we thank you in taking the first step by becoming part of our community.

For more insight on how Kiva micro-financing works, read how Kiva loans have helped 22-year-old entrepreneur Lindiwe of Zimbabwe.

We look forward to expanding our support and promotion of women in CRE and in leadership positions, and we’re glad to have you along for the journey!