Organizaciôn de Desarrollo Empresarial Femenino(ODEF) San Pedro Sula, Honduras odef@sdnhon.org.hn # of clients: 12,149 % women: 63% Outstanding Loans: US$ 6,673,043 Staff: 72 Founded: 1989 Director: Santa de Euceda Microcredit Programs: ODEF, the largest microfinance organization in northeast Honduras, manages three different programs: community banks, solidarity groups, and individual credit. Community banks are groups of 10 to 35 entrepreneurs that organize themselves to be eligible for credit and to improve their business management skills. Initial loans are between $35 and $140. Solidarity groups are associations of 3 to 8 borrowers. They function much like community banks but the loans are usually larger: $210 to $3,400. ODEF also provides individual credit for entrepreneurs with at least one year's experience running a business with growth potential. Results: With an average loan of $543, 73% of ODEF clients are women. In addition to business services for its clients, ODEF complements its microcredit programs with training in personal development, the environment, and sustainable agriculture. << Back to map