WFHB launched operations in June 1991. WFHB s mission is to assist poor women entrepreneurs in starting, expanding and improving micro and small enterprises by providing access to credit, savings mobilization services, and training. WFHB is governed by a six-member Board of Directors, who are leaders in the local business, banking and legal communities. Sixteen full-time professional staff manage the affiliate, including four managers and eight credit officers. WFHB s target clients are women micro and small entrepreneurs in and around Gaborone City, and in selected villages.
Clients conduct a range of businesses, including vending, manufacturing and services.
WFHB launched its savings and lending operations later that year. Before becoming eligible for credit, women must undergo training and must start to save. WFHB has both individual and group lending and has established a credit line with a local bank. WFHB mobilizes savings directly, and deposits client savings into an affiliate account with the local bank. It also runs a program of five half days on basic management skills for women already in micro and small business.