Our Program

Elmseed's small loans and intensive technical support are intended to enable entrepreneurs to lift themselves out of poverty. Entrepreneurs complete a short application to become members of Elmseed, and, as members, are eligible both to apply for loans and to access Elmseed's business support services. Elmseed's business support and lending services compliment each other, allowing entrepreneurs to hone their business skills in order to more effectively use Elmseed's loans to grow their businesses.

All Elmseed members receive individualized consulting from Elmseed staff at monthly meetings. In addition, members attend quarterly all-Elmseed meetings to network with other Elmseed entrepreneurs and hear speakers on selected business topics. Entrepreneurs who wish to further hone their business skills and receive assistance with writing their full business plans may also choose to enroll in Elmseed's business training course or schedule additional consulting sessions.

Elmseed members who have full business plans are eligible to apply for small loans. Elmseed offers a first year-long loan of up to $2,000 followed by a second year-long loan of up to $4,500. Elmseed charges a simple 10% interest rate which is directly reinvested into the loan fund.