The issue of accessing credit highlights the interdependent nature of access to resources; oftentimes, women must show they have other resources to gain credit.

ICAFE reported that lower educational levels among women producers in Costa Rica hinder their access to financial resources in general. With regard to credit in specific, some women stated that they don’t qualify for credit, and two reasons mentioned were a lack of land ownership and a lack of fixed income. 

This is how we increase access to finance:

1. Following a series of workshops on various farm practices and business strategies, all participants in Bean Voyage’s program are provided with one-on-one mentorship and guidance from local business leaders and academics on the process of developing strong business proposals that can receive funding.

2. Along with our funding partners, we commit a pool of money to be distributed between the participants for project implementation. However, the goal of this project is not only to prepare the participants for this initial micro-grant but for long-term success with loan applications or other funding opportunities. Therefore, participants go through various rounds of review and discussion to develop clear and succinct business proposals that were then submitted for review by a committee.

3. In general, 67% of the participants submit a proposal for funding consideration. The proposal review committee consisting of members from funding partners', Bean Voyage, and the Coffee Institute of Costa Rica review the proposals

To date, Bean Voyage has awarded $25,800 in small grants to smallholder women coffee farmers in Costa Rica.

Criteria for Funding Evaluation

• Project Description: Clearly outlines their business goals.

• Market Segment: Clearly defines their customer segment.

• Value Proposition: Presents a differentiating element that facilitates the customer's purchase decision.

• Key Activities: Identifies at least three activities for the implementation of the project Regular.

• Key Alliances: Adequately identifies who can support and implement their project.

• Distribution Channels: Identifies at least two distribution channels.

• Sources of Income: Identifies other benefits or products their project can generate.

focus areas

hen keeping, bee keeping, home gardening, and coffee processing

total grantees

we solely finance smallholder women coffee farmers

total grants

funds are unrestricted but based on their business plans

average grant

the largest grant ($9,000) was awarded to a women’s association

Recent Blogs on our financing initiatives

our finance programs have been generously supported by

our financing approach improves agency for smallholder women farmers to invest in their farms and business outcomes.