Empowering Survivors: Microenterprise Launch Fund for Trafficking Survivors in Costa Rica
Purpose
Many survivors at Esperanza Home face systemic barriers to economic independence after exiting exploitation. Despite completing vocational training, they lack the startup capital, mentorship, and social networks necessary to establish sustainable livelihoods. Without viable income, survivors risk re-victimization, economic dependency, or returning to unsafe environments.
Description
Many survivors at Esperanza Home face systemic barriers to economic independence after exiting exploitation. Despite completing vocational training, they lack the startup capital, mentorship, and social networks necessary to establish sustainable livelihoods. Without viable income, survivors risk re-victimization, economic dependency, or returning to unsafe environments.
Location
san jose, CR
Target Population
Residential survivors of sex trafficking
Need Justification
Survivors of human trafficking in Costa Rica face profound economic insecurity upon leaving shelter care. While Esperanza Home provides vocational training and psychosocial support, reintegration often stalls due to lack of access to financial capital and entrepreneurial networks. Many girls express a desire to launch small businesses—such as hair salons, artisan crafts, or food services—but are unable to secure even minimal startup funds from formal banks due to age, lack of collateral, or past trauma that disrupted their education. Without viable income-generating opportunities, survivors are at risk of falling back into cycles of poverty, exploitation, or dependence. A microloan fund, combined with hands-on business training and mentorship, fills this critical gap—empowering young women to take control of their futures, contribute to their communities, and build sustainable livelihoods on their own terms. This program is not only timely but essential to ensure the long-term success of survivor reintegration and break the cycle of exploitation.
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-07-11
End Date:
2027-05-05
Impact Goals
conomic Empowerment At least 80% of participating survivors will launch and sustain income-generating businesses within 3 months of receiving a microloan. Reintegration Support 90% of participants will report increased confidence, self-sufficiency, and stability as they transition from shelter care to community life. Loan Sustainability 75% of initial loans will be repaid within 12 months, allowing for fund recycling and support of new survivor cohorts. Capacity Building All participants will complete a 10-week entrepreneurship course, gaining foundational knowledge in business management, budgeting, and marketing. Program Scalability The initiative will produce a replicable model for microenterprise support across Aftercare International’s network by the end of Year 1.
Project Budget
30,000 $
Use of Funds
The requested funding will be used to establish and operate the microenterprise program over its first 12 months. Funds will be allocated as follows: Revolving Microloan Fund (50%) Direct capital for 20–30 survivors to launch small businesses ($300–$500 per participant), with repayments recycled to support future cohorts. Entrepreneurship Training (20%) Development and delivery of a practical 10-week business course covering budgeting, marketing, customer service, and legal basics. Business Mentorship & Coaching (15%) Honoraria for local business mentors and stipends for survivor-mentor meetings over a 12-month period. Program Coordination & Monitoring (10%) Part-time staff support for application reviews, loan disbursement, tracking repayments, and impact assessment. Operational Supplies & Materials (5%) Training materials, participant kits, business startup tools (e.g., mobile phone credit, ledgers, licenses).
Project Information
- Shelter: Esperanza Home
- Established Date: 07-11-2025 01:08 PM
- Location: san jose, CR
- Target Population: Residential survivors of sex trafficking
- Timeline: 2025-07-11 - 2027-05-05
- Budget: 30,000 $
