IESC - Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (formerly International Executive Service Corps)

Savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOs) are important institutions that expand access to finance and support the growth of Kenya’s agricultural sector. The Ainabkoi Farmers Deposit Taking SACCO recently experienced financial setbacks and wanted to explore new strategies to grow their assets, membership, and financial products. The IESC-implemented USAID Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program partnered with the cooperative to strengthen its operations and better serve agricultural clients. IESC volunteer expert Todd Campbell assessed its market position, evaluated its existing products, and developed strategies to enhance its business. Todd’s support will allow the cooperative to recover from its financial challenges and expand its work empowering agricultural businesses and smallholder farmers.

The Laluni Farmers' Group in Guyana now has four portable electric pruning saws thanks to IESC through the USAID Caribbean Agricultural Productivity improvement Activity (CAPA), These saws will help farmers enhance productivity and reduce pest and disease occurrences, enhancing food security as part of the U.S. Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030. IESC partnered with Farfan & Mendes Guyana to train the group in saw safety and maintenance to assist farmers to prune their cherry trees during the off-season. We also hosted an agro-input supplier forum to introduce new tools like a soil auger and an efficient brush cutter. The forum also gave farmers the opportunity to troubleshoot their equipment and purchase lubricants, fuel, and spare parts.

IESC is a leading U.S. nonprofit organization that catalyzes private sector growth and creates economic opportunity for people and communities throughout the economically developing world. Keep up with our important work and learn how we’re helping people improve their lives. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dSpqvG7D

The USAID Youth Actively Create Opportunities Activity, implemented by IESC, had a very successful 2024 strengthening the workforce development system in in North Macedonia and contributing to youth-led development. Over the past year, we: • Engaged more than 2,700 youth as trainees, mentors, volunteers, and researchers in transformative activities • Helped 45% of participants find new or better employment • Provided 912 youth with career guidance and counseling • Supported 58 participants to start or join a new enterprise We’re looking forward to continuing to increase positive youth contributions to society and collective youth leadership across North Macedonia in 2025. https://lnkd.in/dN_ZcZhU

In 1995, Tanzanian savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOs) were the first to offer microfinance products and services aimed at empowering and uplifting underserved communities (particularly women), promoting business activity, and alleviating poverty. These coops continue to be essential institutions for economic and social development in Tanzania. Nonetheless, many struggle with loan portfolio management, repayment, risk, and other operational issues. IESC volunteer expert David Krou worked with the IESC-implemented USAID Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program to address these challenges. David supported Amani Division SACCO, which is located in the Usambara Mountains of Tanzania, by training their management in financial and loan management best practices. After conducting an initial needs assessment, he developed and facilitated a training program covering how to initiate, process, and approve credit applications; understand collateral, agency banking, and bank requirements; identify and manage risks; and enhance financial literacy of members. Because of David’s support, Amani Division SACCO is now on the path to more profitable and sustainable operations.

IESC, through the USAID Caribbean Agricultural Productivity improvement Activity (CAPA), and the Small Business Bureau Guyana trained youth in Georgetown and Berbice in financial literacy to empower them to establish agriculture-related businesses. The youth were trained in financial management, recordkeeping, and legal business requirements. The intervention is a continuation of farming-as-a-business training.

Nurses play a vital role in patient care. However, health care companies across Georgia are facing a significant shortage of qualified nursing staff, particularly in rural areas. This challenge is compounded by a lack of accredited courses for nurse managers. To address this gap and empower Georgians with the skills they need to access these high-value employment opportunities, the USAID Industry-led Skills Development Program-დამსაქმებლები პროფესიული განათლებისთვის partnered with Vian to transform nursing education. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dxJQzpKt

With more than 20 Farmer-to-Farmer assignments under his belt, IESC volunteer expert Dan Lavin is no stranger to the unique challenges and growth opportunities for smallholder farmers and agricultural businesses around the world. On Dan’s most recent assignment with the IESC-implemented Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program, he transformed the Ainabkoi Dairy Farmers Cooperative’s financial management systems. The Kenyan cooperative has experienced considerable growth over the past few years, which has enabled new partnerships with local government and development organizations. These partnerships inspired the coop to rethink its financial systems. Dan worked with the coop’s management and board to review their existing processes and identify weaknesses and gaps. He then supported the creation of a more suitable and practical accounting policy and procedures manual. Ainabkoi Dairy Farmers Cooperative is now better prepared to leverage its partnerships and continue growing for years to come. Farmer-to-Farmer Program

The USAID Industry-led Skills Development Program-დამსაქმებლები პროფესიული განათლებისთვის continues its successful partnership with BTU • Business and Technology University. Nini Chirikashvili has built a career in the tech industry since graduating from BTU's Coding School for 1,500 Women. Starting her journey with no prior knowledge of digital marketing, Nini now works as a mentor for BTU's Women Mentorship in Tech Programmes initiative. She has become an inspiration for many, demonstrating how dedication, learning, and mentorship can lead to success in a new field. Reflecting on her experience, Nini shared, "Before enrolling in the program, I knew absolutely nothing about digital marketing. My interest in the field began during the pandemic, and when I discovered the BTU program, I was eager to join. The experience turned out to be far beyond my expectations. The lectures were engaging, and the hands-on tasks were invaluable in helping me build the essential skills I needed. I’m incredibly grateful to BTU, not only for providing such a transformative learning experience but also for supporting me in securing a job after completing the course." Thanks to the USAID program’s partnership with BTU, 1,500 women across Georgia are enrolled in training programs tailored to meet the needs of Georgia’s ICT companies.

For the first time in North Macedonia, a bank supported young people to design a banking product focused on financing social enterprises. The USAID Youth Actively Create Opportunities Activity, implemented by IESC in North Macedonia, held a two-day social entrepreneurship workshop in collaboration with the Yunus Center for Social Businesses at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Economics-Skopje and HALKBANK AD Skopje. The workshop brought together 70 young participants to inspire and foster social entrepreneurial ambitions, provide tools to develop viable ideas, deepen their understanding of business processes, and support the creation of a banking product that offers financial assistance to social enterprises. The bank will consider the two winning ideas and offered participants the opportunity to apply for a paid internship, resulting in 50 applications! Hear why young people believe social enterprises are important and why they should get more financial support: https://lnkd.in/d_2tuTww