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Summary

The Grameen America Program sought to increase income for self-employed women with low incomes by providing microfinance loans for small businesses, as well as financial literacy training and networking support.

The Grameen America program provided microfinance loans, financial literacy training, and networking opportunities to women with low incomes. Groups of five self-employed women, who knew each other and lived near one another, applied and were selected for services together. Each woman received services individually to support her unique enterprises. The Grameen America Program was administered in Union City, NJ, and served participants in the surrounding areas in northern New Jersey.

Populations and employment barriers: Immigrants

Effectiveness rating and effect by outcome domain

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Outcome domain Term Effectiveness rating Effect in 2024 dollars and percentages Effect in standard deviations Sample size
Increase earnings Short-term Supported favorable $7,071 per year 0.194 1114
Long-term Cannot assess support
Very long-term Cannot assess support
Increase employment Short-term Supported favorable 16% (in percentage points) 0.402 1144
Long-term Cannot assess support
Very long-term Cannot assess support
Decrease benefit receipt Short-term Little evidence to assess support unfavorable $134 per year 0.039 1139
Long-term Cannot assess support
Very long-term Cannot assess support
Increase education and training All measurement periods Cannot assess support

Effectiveness ratings

  • Well- supported
  • Supported
  • Mixed support
  • Not supported
  • Insufficient evidence
  • Cannot assess support

Studies of this program

Study quality rating Study counts per rating
High High 1

Implementation details

Characteristics of research participants
Unknown, not reported, or other
2%
Hispanic or Latino of any race
99%

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