To start a business, microentrepreneurs have been forced to borrow at exorbitant rates from loan sharks or to rely on family members. These institutions provide responsive financial services to low income entrepreneurs in a profitable manner, at rates that cover the costs of making very small loans. CRS targets its loans to the poorest of the poor with an emphasis on women. CRS is committed to supporting the efforts of the most disadvantaged to improve the quality of family life. For that reason, lending programs link loans and loan size to the savings patterns of individual members.
Savings also provide security mechanisms for the poor during low income periods.
This is accomplished by pricing financial rates and services at realistic market levels and minimizing operational costs through efficient service delivery.