Breaking through : the expansion of micro-enterprise programs as a challenge for non-profit institutions

This document draws on the experience of programs affiliated with ACCION International throughout the Americas to delve into the subject of microenterprise program expansion. It is partially based on findings from an ACCION conference held in Puerto Salinas, Ecuador, in October 1988. The document describes the process of expansion, including prerequisites, characteristics, institutional structure, and planning. Included are guidelines for institutions on how best to confront the challenges posed by expansion, with special emphasis on vision, financial systems, human resources, and contextual consideration. Finally, factors that influence and/or limit expansion in microenterprise programs are explored. (Author abstract)