ACTUAR is a leading association in the promotion of Colombian micro-enterprises. It was set up in 1982 on the initiative of a group of entrepreneurs from Medellín concerned about the progressive deterioration of the living conditions of thousands of families in the region.

Faced with unemployment and extreme poverty, ACTUAR came up with a specific response to the social and economic problems of the majority of Colombians.

Our partners offer three services to beneficiaries in order to make their economic activities viable:

• Credit
• Training
• Technical assistance

Just like us, ACTUAR is convinced that merely offering financial assistance in the form of credits is often not enough to improve the performance of micro-enterprises in a sustainable manner. Beneficiaries have to be supported in terms of training and technical assistance.

ACTEC's main objective is to reinforce ACTUAR's capacities. Our support consists of increasing credit funds (3.000 additional credits over a three-year period) and extending technical and administrative workshops to reach 3.500 people each year.

The "famiempresa" (family enterprise) is a small production, trade or service entity aimed at developing the family core through employment of family members and an increase in income. Many of these "famiempresas" are managed by women who are often responsible for basic family income