The SEEP Network
The SEEP Network, also known as SEEP, is a member-based, nonprofit organization with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Background. In 1985, a group of U.S. based NGOs pioneered new strategies for enterprise development and microcredit, seeking to promote economic opportunities for the world's poor. With support from USAID's Office of Private and Voluntary Cooperation, they formed the “Small Enterprise Evaluation Project” (SEEP) to champion the importance of impact assessments and develop evaluation methods that would inform practice. Membership. SEEP members represent a diverse mix of over 100 organizations active in 150 countries in Africa, Latin  America, Asia, and the Middle East. Members include international development organizations and consulting firms; relief and humanitarian aid organizations; research, monitoring and results measurement agencies; and microfinance associations. Thematic Areas. SEEP's work in the economic development sector is focused on five thematic areas with a variety of initiatives within each : Agriculture & Food Security. This involves improving the productivity and resilience of small scale farmers is essential to address poverty and hunger worldwide. Projects in this area include: Resilient Markets. Programming in this area enables market systems to build long-term resilience increases household and community capacity to prepare, cope , and recover from disasters. Programs and activities include: Responsible Finance. This includes promoting strong local member-based associations to act as champions of transparency and consumer protection leads to more ethical and fair treatment of clients of financial services. Programs and activities include: Savings Groups. Savings Groups promote financial inclusion and build resilience in marginalized communities. Programs and activities include: Women’s Economic Empowerment. This involves supporting women's ability to succeed and advance economically leads to healthy and productive households, growing businesses, and the well-being of communities and nations. Programs and activities include: Closure. On December 13th, 2021 , SEEP publicly announced to its members that it would be closing in the next 12-18 months due to financial pressures caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.