Washington, DC, March 10, 2015 – Today, The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the only dues based membership association representing women business owners of all sizes, sectors and stages in the United States, announces a two-year partnership with Opportunity International, a global non-profit organization that provides loans, savings programs, business training, microinsurance, agriculture, education finance and many other programs and resources to help millions of women in developing countries break the cycle of poverty. NAWBO and Opportunity International will work together to forge lasting connections between women business owners around the world.

"NAWBO believes in the potential of women entrepreneurs and proudly serves thousands of women to start businesses and grow successful enterprises throughout the United States," said Darla Beggs, NAWBO National Board Chair. "This year, on our 40th anniversary, we are thrilled to join forces with Opportunity International to support thousands more women around the world. NAWBO members want to give back to their fellow women entrepreneurs and Opportunity International provides a great outlet for that mission."

The new partnership and ongoing collaboration will provide an outlet for NAWBO members to give back to women entrepreneurs in some of the poorest areas of the world. In addition, NAWBO members will be able to learn more about Opportunity International and its transformative programs through podcasts, participation in the NAWBO convention and other outreach efforts.

"We are proud to announce this partnership with NAWBO, which will unite the women entrepreneurs of NAWBO with our clients—who are also women entrepreneurs—to help alleviate poverty in some of the poorest areas of the world," said Vicki Escarra, Global CEO of Opportunity International. "Ninety percent of our loans go to women. Together we will be able to empower many more women to start or grow businesses, support their families and transform the world around them."

Thanks to the support of NAWBO and its active and generous members, Opportunity International will be able to support thousands more women entrepreneurs through financial tools and leadership training. Founded in 1971, the organization has provided more than $8.5 billion in loans to its clients. Currently, the organization offers loans, savings programs, insurance and other financial services and training in 22 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe.

ABOUT NAWBO
Founded in 1975, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide by: strengthening the wealth creating capacity of our members and promoting economic development within the entrepreneurial community; creating innovative and effective change in the business culture; building strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations; and transforming public policy and influencing opinion makers. Learn more at www.nawbo.org

ABOUT OPPORTUNITY INTERNATIONAL
Opportunity International is a global non-profit organization that helps people in developing nations work their way out of poverty, strengthen their families and improve their communities. Founded in 1971, the organization has provided more than $8.5 billion in loans, savings programs, insurance, and other financial services and training to more than 12 million clients in 22 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe. Clients use the resources to expand businesses, provide for their families and create jobs in their communities. The U.S. headquarters of Opportunity International are in Oak Brook, Ill., with other key offices in Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The organization proudly employs more than 17,500 people around the world. Discover more at opportunity.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Tom McPheron | Opportunity International | 630.242.4115 | [email protected]
Joy Lutes | NAWBO | 703.362.0150 | [email protected]
Claire Tonneson | Sunshine Sachs | 202.350.0209 | [email protected]