Growing a Mighty Oak: The Origins of SEEP

Agency for International Development (USAID) and a group of U.S. NGOs. The project aimed to develop an evaluation method that would inform practice in all its dimensions, particularly in the fields of enterprise development and microcredit. The initiative was coordinated by Elaine Edgcomb and Shirley Buzzard, who worked with 25 NGOs to develop a strategy for the project. The SEEP project involved a collaborative method that took two years to complete, during which time the participants developed a process and an interest in best practice learning. The project resulted in the creation of a book and a network of organizations that shared a common goal of promoting enterprise development and microfinance. The SEEP Network was born, and it has since become a global network of international practitioner organizations dedicated to combating poverty through promoting inclusive markets and financial systems. From its inception, SEEP offered a platform for U.S. NGOs and their partners to build their capacity in enterprise development and microfinance. USAID's Office of Private and Voluntary Cooperation provided partnership and financial support for the Network, funding headquarter and field-based technical assistance staff in many NGOs. These staff members became representatives of their organizations to SEEP and contributed to the Network's growth and development. The SEEP model, which evolved from the project, focused on product-focused participatory learning. This approach enabled the Network to disseminate best practices effectively and efficiently across the globe. SEEP produced manuals on various themes, including institutional development, financial ratio analysis, and village banking. The Network also delivered training in the United States, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and its representatives used these materials to train their own staff and partners. SEEP operated under the principle of inclusiveness, providing a platform for issues to be debated and new ideas to be explored. The Network created a forum for poverty lending and championed the importance of impact assessment, even when others in the field considered such endeavors costly and less important. SEEP's participation in the AIMS project led to the creation of practitioner tools that combined market research and client outcomes tracking to develop a clearer understanding of client needs and experiences. Today, SEEP is a global network of 128 institutional members, active in 170 countries, and reaching nearly 90 million households. The Network has grown significantly since its inception, and it continues to provide a platform for organizations to share best practices and work together to combat poverty.