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.
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.
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 |
|
$7,071 per year
|
0.194 | 1114 |
| Long-term | ![]() |
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| Very long-term | ![]() |
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| Increase employment | Short-term |
|
16% (in percentage points)
|
0.402 | 1144 |
| Long-term | ![]() |
||||
| Very long-term | ![]() |
||||
| Decrease benefit receipt | Short-term |
|
$134 per year
|
0.039 | 1139 |
| Long-term | ![]() |
||||
| Very long-term | ![]() |
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| Increase education and training | All measurement periods | ![]() |
Studies of this program
| Study quality rating | Study counts per rating |
|---|---|
High
|
1 |
Implementation details
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$7,071 per year

$134 per year
High