First Step Initiative

Welcome

The mission that drives First Step Initiative is to empower the poorest of people to create their own destinies and achieve their full potential. Its story unfolds in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), one of the most impoverished countries in the world.

First Step Initiative provides small collateral free loans ranging in size from $50-150 to start and grow businesses. These loans provide capital needed to grow fruit, raise livestock, purchase fabric, operate salons, open stores, and travel to markets where goods can be sold.

Although these loans may seem small, to the recipient they offer extraordinary value by generating income for food, housing, health care, and education for entire families.

Slowly but surely the people of the Congo are learning that the cycle of poverty can be broken.

"Growing up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I saw a lot of poor entrepreneurs trying to make ends meet. However, there were no infrastructures to support their income generating activities. When I came to the United States I began sending money whenever I could, about $50 at a time. With my mother's help, a lending circle of 10 women was eventually formed, and over the years as the women established their businesses, they moved out of the circle and were replaced by new women. We hear over and over that these small loans have transformed lives."

Chingwell Mutombu, Executive Director

First Step Initiative

130 Spur Circle
Wayzata, MN 55391

Phone: 763-546-1932

Chingwell Mutombu, Executive Director
chingwell@comcast.net