Horizonti

Horizonti was created in January 2000 as a microfinance program of Catholic Relief Services-USCC in Macedonia. The project primary goal was to provide access to finance to low-income women entrepreneurs. In addition, project long-term goal was to create a professional, sustainable and locally-registered microfinance institution. In July 2005, program spun-off from CRS by registering a local Foundation according to the Law on Citizen's Associations and Foundation in the R. of Macedonia. In the begging, the program started to operate in the greater Skopje area, and eventually expand its operations in seven other cities throughout the country, having 65-70% national coverage. Currently, Horizonti provides its services through 8 branch offices located in larger cities in the country, with Head Office based in Skopje. Horizonti provides small loan for income generating activities and for housing. Small business loans are primarily for retail, services, small production and agriculture. Horizonti uses the group and individual lending methodology. Group lending is very common for poorer and disadvantage clients such is Roma population and small rural farmers. Women empowerment and gender equality are strong organization's focus. Almost 97% of Horizonti beneficiaries are women. The initial loan capital was provided by international donor agensies, such: the Founder CRS, Caritas Norway, OSI, CEB, and others.