About Swisshand

Swisshand is a non-profit organization committed to fighting poverty through entrepreneurship. We empower individuals—primarily women—in underserved regions to build small businesses, generate income, and create a better future for their families.

By combining hands-on training, small loans, and personalized mentoring, we help people transform ambition into action—and poverty into opportunity.

Our Approach

Swisshand targets regions where access to economic self-help is scarce. Our approach is rooted in sustainable impact, not short-term aid.

• Entrepreneurial focus: We enable people to earn a living by starting their own businesses—breaking the cycle of poverty from within.

• Women first: We prioritize proactive women, who often become powerful role models and multipliers of change in their communities.

• Training and credit go hand in hand: Participants receive practical business education, mentorship, and interest-bearing microloans with fair terms and short repayment periods.

• No debt traps: High repayment rates allow for all donations to be reinvested, amplifying impact over time.

• Local leadership: All programs are supervised by experienced, trustworthy local partners who understand the unique needs of their communities.

• Measurable outcomes: Each program is closely monitored to ensure effectiveness and continual improvement.

Implementation and Oversight

Swisshand collaborates with carefully selected non-governmental partners on the ground—organizations with deep local roots and proven track records. Our Swiss and in-country program managers oversee implementation, ensuring quality, accountability, and alignment with our mission.

Every partner, loan, and training module follows standardized processes designed to maximize the effectiveness of donor contributions.

Funding and Transparency

Swisshand is funded by private donations, legacies, and contributions from individuals, companies, foundations, municipalities, and cantons.

We are committed to the responsible and efficient use of all funds. Thanks to our high loan repayment rates (>95%), donations don’t just make an impact once—they keep working, again and again.