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MEDA

Results, Impact, Partnerships

Creating business solutions to poverty
For more than 50 years, MEDA has been designing and implementing innovative and effective market-driven economic development programs that improve the livelihoods of millions of people living in poverty around the world.

Founded by a small group of service-oriented business people, MEDA has grown to become a large, dynamic international organization comprised of thousands of members and supporters across North America and Europe. MEDA believes its work is not done until it is proven to be sustainable, replicable, scalable and measurable.

We are a recognized leader for establishing best practices in financial services, investment fund development, market development and solving poverty by responding to each population’s unique needs. MEDA’s competitive edge is to solve issues of poverty through business solutions that integrate all three of our areas of strength.

Our professional, committed staff have grassroots experience, a business orientation and the ability to work at large-scale development issues.

We are caring...
MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) is an association of compassionate business women and men who invest in the lives of families living in poverty around the world.

We are committed...
Through MEDA, faith-oriented business owners, executives and leaders are able to integrate their life values with business in practical ways to help the poor. They are committed to using their faith and abilities in their businesses, communities, and around the world.

We are creative...
Most of the world's poor are working hard, but barely getting by. Our bottom line is to help men and women sustain their families without emergency or ongoing support from us. We build our programs to increase personal dignity and self-sufficiency.

We believe work has worth...
Through training, loans and mentorship, entrepreneurs both in North America and around the world can earn a livelihood, provide for their families and enrich their communities.

We are partners...
Whether we work with local or national governments, foundations, or businesses, we believe that healthy partnerships provide infrastructure and long-term solutions. Organizations like the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) support MEDA through fund-matching programs. Other Partners include ACDI VOCA, AED, Aga Khan Foundation, CARE , Heifer International, IDB, IDE, The MasterCard Foundation, Shorebank International, Tanzanian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, World Bank, World Vision.