Services We Provide

We are a non-profit program providing small business loans, business training and support and savings services to low-income aspiring business owners in Greater Des Moines, Iowa. 

LOAN & Financial Services

  • Small business loans to peer-lending groups

  • Members participate in groups, but receive individual loans

  • Savings account at a local bank, with no monthly service fee

Business Support & Training

  • Leadership and empowerment training

  • Weekly support and meetings with a Solidarity mentor

  • Connections to trusted community resources

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GROUP MICROLENDING

methodology

Under the Grameen peer-lending model, borrowers form groups of 5 trusted individuals in their community. Each borrower receives their own loan to start their own business. Groups meet weekly to make a small repayment on their loans, contribute a small amount to their savings account, and support each others' businesses. Our loans are 6-month loans with the opportunity for borrowers to apply for higher loan amounts after continuous and successful participation in the program.

Our Mission

Solidarity Microfinance is a program of

Iowa Community Capital, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our program’s mission is to empower women and communities to create economic opportunities through small business loans, support and savings services.

Our Services

Loans: small, collateral-free loans with 6 months repayment period

Savings: ICC offers each member no fee Savings services through a local bank sponsor. Members must establish a Savings account for emergencies and deposit additional funds every six months.

Training: ICC provides trainings to help our members understand financial basics and develop leadership skills.

Support: A program staff member meets bi weekly with groups of borrowers to provide support and guidance.

Cashless Payments: As of 2024, we area now accepting online payments through mobile or desktop devices.

Program Requirements

•    Low-income families

•    Minimum 2 years residence in Iowa

•    Must be 18 years or older

•    SSN or ITIN required for credit reporting

•    No credit history required

•    Government issued ID

Microfinance Success Worldwide

•    Traditional financial institutions often don’t offer this small of loan and require collateral, credit history, and business plans

•    Unavailable small loan in the community is an important barrier to success for many low-income families.  

•    This group lending approach has been successful with 99% repayment rates worldwide

Solidarity Impacts

•    Served 272 low-income entrepreneurs

•    Approved and distributed 918 loans

•    Loaned a total of $1,724,249 into the community

•    Increased average client’s business income $6,777

•     99.72% repayment rate since January 2015

Solidarity Program Goals

•    Empower individuals to follow their dreams of building a small business

•    Serve 300+ individuals in Greater Des Moines

•    100% loan repayment rate

•    Help borrowers   increase:

- Increase income

- Increase Savings

- Increase credit scores

          - Increase financial Literacy knowledge  

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