Salvaging A Dream

Small-business owners quickly realize the tremendous devotion that's required just to keep the lights on. Mercy Corps' U.S. economic-development arm is helping vulnerable businesses weather the storm. Each year Mercy Corps Northwest, their Portland-area microlender, assists dozens of low-income borrowers-- mostly women and new immigrants-- realize their business dreams. Their matched-savings programs, financial literacy classes and business advice help hundreds more. Mercy Corps loan officers help fine-tune business plans, gather more detailed market research, and access other valuable resources, which are crucial to success.