Pajebal will create mutually beneficial business-to-business relationships between U.S. firms and Guatemalan small businesses via direct lending, mentorship, and high-bandwidth web communication. Pajebal is driving innovation in web-based micro/small business finance. Help us with the initial funding to roll out this new platform, which will enhance our ability to create sound business growth in western Guatemala.
Current online microfinance platforms, Pajebal included, use many individual lenders to finance each one of their featured developing-world small businesses. Although this model can and does create great benefits, there are certain lenders who would like to be more connected to their loan recipient, and certain small business borrowers who would benefit from a closer connection to their supporters. Pajebal's new project will directly connect the social lender to the developing-world borrower.
Small businesses in Guatemala that we deem as high-potential will receive all of their loan funds directly from a single company in the United States--within the same general industry--and the U.S. company will serve as an advisor & mentor. Communication will occur through engaging business videos, and Skype. Pajebal's Guatemalan Business Advisors will work with the small businesses daily, interpreting insights coming from the U.S., making the best & most feasible ideas locally adaptable.
Pajebal will provide direct mentorship and loan financing to hundreds of Guatemalan small businesses & entrepreneurs, and will fill a need in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs of dozens of interested U.S. companies, engaging hundreds of company employees in sustained, rewarding projects. Pajebal will connect people from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, fostering knowledge transfer, increased productivity, and intercultural respect & understanding.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
