HIFIVE Success Story: Investing in Haitian Entrepreneurs Equals Good Business

The following success story documents the second Foire d’Opportunité Finaciere et Economique or Financial and Economic Opportunities Trade Fair held by the Haiti Integrated Finance for Value Chains and Enterprises (HIFIVE) project in Saint-Marc February 20-21, 2014. Attracting more than 120 agricultural entrepreneurs, attendees included technical experts and representatives from the financial sector, the Central Bank, the Ministry of Agriculture, and several mobile money operators.  This two day event helped to increase availability of information on financing for entrepreneurs, as well as to unveil to financial institutions the vast array of untapped opportunities in the region.

By providing technical assistance providers the opportunity to present overviews of available technical support and allowing entrepreneurs of all trades to network and share knowledge, the event supported economic growth in the region and reflected HIFIVE’s effort to bridge the gap between agricultural entrepreneurs and financial institutions. HIFIVE is a USAID-funded program under the FIELD-Support LWA that expands financial inclusion through improved access to financial products and encourages using technology to expand outreach.