Dominican Republic
WHAT WE DO
Strengthening financial resilience in the Dominican Republic for women, youth, and families.
"End poverty in all its forms everywhere."
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #1: No Poverty
For many women and young people in the Dominican Republic, limited access to financial services, business training, and economic opportunities can make it difficult to build a secure future. Through a holistic approach that combines savings groups, entrepreneurship training, financial education, and digital financial services, Opportunity is helping individuals gain the tools, confidence, and resources they need to strengthen their livelihoods.
By learning how to save, manage finances, grow businesses, and access digital financial solutions, participants are increasing their incomes, building financial resilience, and creating new opportunities for themselves and their families. Together with our local partner, Aspire, we are empowering women and youth to move from financial vulnerability toward greater independence, stability, and hope for the future.
Why the Dominican Republic?
- 11M total population
- 20% of the population lives below the national poverty line
- Rural poverty rates are generally higher than urban poverty rates.
- Limited access to quality education and healthcare contributes to the cycle of poverty.
- Informal employment and underemployment are common challenges, particularly in rural areas.
- Vulnerability to natural disasters like hurricanes further exacerbates poverty.
How we create opportunity.
Aspiring Together Women's Group
Women’s Groups help women build financial resilience through savings, small loans, business training, and peer support. Members grow their incomes, strengthen their businesses, and create brighter futures for their families.
Youth Savings Groups
The YES! Program equips children and adolescents with financial, social, and life skills that prepare them for adulthood. Young people build confidence, develop healthy financial habits, and gain the skills to pursue education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Quality Education
Opportunity helps schools improve learning environments through access to financing, teacher training, and school improvement initiatives. Students benefit from stronger schools, better educational opportunities, and the skills they need to thrive.
Digital Services
Digital Financial Services make banking more accessible by enabling clients to save, make payments, transfer funds, and manage their finances securely through digital technology. This improves financial inclusion while helping entrepreneurs and families build greater financial stability.
See how your support is alleviating
poverty in the Dominican Republic.
Latest results as of March 2026
CLIENT STORIES
Meet clients increasing resilience and hope for the future.
Suleyki, DR
At just 28 years old, Suleyki is building a brighter future for her two daughters through entrepreneurship. What began with a gifted sewing machine and a few lessons from a friend grew into Z y S, a thriving business named after her children. With support from Aspire, including a small loan and participation in a savings group, Suleyki expanded her business, purchased additional equipment, and eventually became the sole owner. Today, she is not only generating income for her family but also developing the confidence and leadership skills to inspire others in her community—proving that opportunity, determination, and support can transform lives.
Madeline, DR
Madeline always had the determination to build a better life for her family, but before joining a savings group, she was simply getting by. Inspired by her mother, Bélgica, who was among the first women in her community to join a savings group, Madeline took her first loan to purchase three fans and start a small business. With each loan, she reinvested in inventory, expanded her business, and strengthened her financial future. Today, Madeline is providing a more stable life for her four daughters, who no longer live in overcrowded conditions. Through financial training, savings, and access to small loans, she has gained the tools and confidence to plan for the future and build a thriving business. “I always had the will to work hard,” Madeline says. “I just needed the right tools to start.”
Lenore, DR
Lenore raised four children on her own in the Dominican Republic while building a small business selling homemade food. Determined to provide a better future for her family, she worked long days and overcame significant setbacks, including losing her home in a series of storms. Through ASPIRE’s Aspiring Together Women’s Groups, Lenore accessed small loans and a leasing program that helped her purchase a refrigerator and expand her business. Today, she is the President of her savings group, enjoys greater financial security, and is proud to see her children grown with families of their own. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “My greatest achievement is that my kids are alive and grown with their own families, and I have a roof over my head.”