Expanding Pro-Poor Economic Development

CHF International understands the importance of enhancing conditions at the local level to foster broader economic development. Economic growth requires both strong businesses and environments where transaction costs are low, red tape is minimal, and businesses have access to markets, capital and services.

Working in more than 30 countries, CHF strengthens micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises to stimulate growth, innovation, and job creation through market-driven programs, developing those institutions that stimulate economies. Building on decades of community development experience, CHF mobilizes local governments to work with the private sector, and with communities, to improve conditions for business. We then link these initiatives with national-level reform efforts and with tangible opportunities for investment.

The result is economic growth with poverty reduction. 

CHF helps small business owners improve productivity, helps economies become more business-friendly, and assists communities affected by natural disasters and complex emergencies to quickly transition from relief to development in order to rebuild peoples’ livelihoods and the local economy.

CHF's Economic Development Programs include:

• Agricultural development--improving the skills and products of farming communities in low-income economies.
• Cooperatives--strengthening the formation and effectiveness of cooperatives to foster broader economic growth for their memebrs. 
• Development Finance--providing microfinance loans for small-business owners and low-income individuals to build their enterprises, improve their homes, and enhance quality of life.
• Crafts Sector Development--improving the skills and products of artisans in low-income communities.
• Workforce Development--improving the ability and potential of disenfranchised populations to earn a higher, more sustainable income through training and market-drive job creation.