Opportunity International Implementing Members

Asociación General Para Asesorar Pequeñas Empresas (AGAPE)

The Asociación General Para Asesorar Pequeñas Empresas (AGAPE) was Opportunity International’s first Partner in serving the poor. AGAPE began operations in 1975 in Cali, Colombia, and relocated to Barranquilla on the northern coast in 1994. AGAPE was established as a non-profit organization with the vision of promoting the development of whole individuals, their communities and their environment with Christian principles as a base. AGAPE primarily focuses its services on the poorest of the poor with an emphasis on women (90% of their clients are women). Over 80% of its clients are classified by the Government as “sectors 0 and 1”, which are defined as the poorest sectors. These clients live in squatter homes with no access to public services, have very limited educational opportunities, are malnourished, and earn household incomes of less than $135 per month. Typical businesses are the retail selling of food, ceramics or clothing out of the home or on the street. AGAPE serves this group of clients through its Trust Bank Program.

Performance in 2009