Last updated April 29, 2013

Partner Description:

Fundación Mario Santo Domingo (FMSD) is a non-profit organization in northern Colombia dedicated to developing programs for the country’s poorest communities. In addition to numerous social services, FMSD runs a microfinance program to strengthen micro-businesses in the areas where it works. The organization also offers several non-financial components as part of this program, including training to help entrepreneurs start their own businesses.

FMSD is quickly becoming a national leader in development programs by offering financial support and training for micro and small-business owners in Colombia. The organization goes above and beyond by providing comprehensive development programs where they are needed most. 



Founded in 1960, FMSD created its first micro-enterprise program in 1984 in the city of Barranquilla. It was so popular that it expanded to Cartagena, Bogotá and Isla de Barú during the 1990s. Today, this program supports the entrepreneurial goals of single mothers, young people, rural workers, shopkeepers, former inmates, the elderly, artisans, displaced populations, fishermen, solidarity groups and many more.

But success isn’t just about credit at FMSD. That’s why the organization has kicked off a number of other initiatives to give borrowers all the support they need to thrive. For example, in 1987, it created a community development program to help local families build new houses for themselves. Thanks to this program, more than 50,000 Colombians living along the Caribbean coast have been able to improve their living conditions.

For the last 15 years, FMSD’s training department has offered “management dialogue” courses for micro-entrepreneurs. In 2001, it teamed up with Accion International, USAID and the Corporation for the Development of Micro-enterprises to host regional and national events for small and micro-business owners to learn about marketing strategies.



FMSD’s unique lending approach:

FMSD offers microfinance services through satellite offices called Customer Service Centers (CAUs). These centers are located near the local communities they serve and provide both financial and non-financial services. Small businesses can access loans for working capital, to buy fixed assets, afford new technologies, go back to school or improve their housing. Kiva lenders’ funds help make this possible.

At the same time, borrowers can tap into training to strengthen their business operations in terms of organization, marketing, technology, etc. Additionally, FMSD offers administrative consulting. Staff members work directly with entrepreneurs to develop business plans. To date, FMSD has helped nearly 50,000 people improve their lives through business, housing, health, education and community initiatives.

Want to get more involved with FMSD? Join the Friends of FMSD lending team on Kiva.



Images courtesy of FMSD.

Status Update - November 9, 2010

Kiva recently conducted on-site monitoring at FMSD in order to re-assess the level of risk posed by the institution. The analysts found that some of the components that Kiva looks at during our due-diligence process did not merit a 4-star rating. The organization’s rating has been adjusted to 3 stars.