Dan Murray, CEO of Opportunity International Canada (OI), makes a profound point about working with entrepreneurs, most of whom are women, in developing countries: we tap into their existing resilience and unleash it rather than create it from scratch.
That's what people need. A leg up. An opportunity. Dan Murray, CEO of OI since 2018, has a varied background of working with start-up tech companies, being a foreign trade diplomat, and leading other non-profit organizations (NPOs). He says his role at OI leverages all those experiences. I had an opportunity to speak with Dan Murray, to learn more about OI's work and why he is passionate about a sustainable approach to alleviating poverty.
The focus of OI is to end poverty one client at a time by providing financial inclusion, training, and support on their journey towards a sustainable livelihood. The emphasis is on sustainability. OI does this directly in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Ghana, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Haiti, collaborating with global colleagues in more than 30 countries. OI uses the so-called "microenterprise model" by lending—not giving—funds to budding entrepreneurs. Why does this model work so effectively? First, it is locally led. "We work with local partners who are the front line in the fight against poverty." Second, it's sustainable. "Capital is loaned out, repaid, and loaned out again in a virtuous cycle of poverty reduction. And the livelihoods themselves become sustainable." Third, there is the aspect of dignity. "We provide the opportunity for entrepreneurial clients to build their sustainable microenterprises through creativity, initiative and hard work, and they grow in confidence as they acquire the needed skills." Fourth, it is transformative. "The trajectory for a client changes completely when there is a sustainable regular income that can fund the basics such as food, housing and clothing, as well as education."
Interestingly, OI works with a high number of women entrepreneurs. Why? Dan explains that OI works with anyone without discrimination on any basis. He points out, however, "Our goal is to help the most marginalized global populations trapped in poverty, and due to social and systemic issues, this group includes a large number of women and girls." He explains that "historically, it is our experience that women have a higher repayment rate and are more consistent in investing income in the well-being of their family, which leverages the impact of funds invested."
Are women entrepreneurs different than men entrepreneurs? Dan explains that OI has found that women have been more willing to be part of community-based loan groups (so-called Trust Groups), which have proven to be an effective means of economic empowerment. He further explains that women in some settings can face different barriers to financial inclusion compared to men due to systemic issues. I asked Dan to share one of his favourite stories about a transformed life. He cited Elda in Haiti. When the OI team found Elda, she had recently been left with two toddlers by her partner, who accused her of "being useless." She was on the verge of starvation. She received initial training, start-up assets, and weekly coaching through an OI program. For Elda to graduate 18 months later, the assets must have grown by 40%, along with a number of other factors. She raised livestock, including cows, goats, and chickens, she had bought her own lot that she farmed and was planning to build a house, and she had a successful business making a specialized herbal drink that she sold weekly in the market. Her kids were vibrant and both thriving in the local school. Like Elda, microentrepreneurs are generally hard-working, generous, resilient, and creative.
OI not only works to transform the situations of individual clients and their families, but it also tries to change the culture of the entire community. "We have a new Women's Mentorship Program in Ghana that pairs a successful female entrepreneur with two emerging entrepreneurs, and these mentors generously model success for the mentees in a way not otherwise available. The cohorts are about 300 women (100 mentors)." When a daughter (or son, for that matter) sees their mother become a successful and confident business leader, it changes their perspective for their own future in a very positive way.
OI has worked with Nicola Wealth for many years, not just with donations but also with volunteers. Dan commented, "We value the many ways Nicola Wealth and its staff have supported our work over the years. The corporate donations are, of course, hugely important, much appreciated, and have a significant impact on fighting poverty. Further, the volunteer work, especially around the Tour de Victoria in B.C., is very encouraging and helps to raise awareness among others about our work."
