CREATING
PROSPERITY

our mission

Namaste Direct is a nonprofit organization that is laser-focused on economically empowering women entrepreneurs in Guatemala to grow profitable businesses and lift themselves out of poverty. 

Why? There is an overwhelming correlation between poverty and gender inequality. When women have the resources and opportunity to make and manage their money, they gain agency over their lives, invest in the well-being of their families, strengthen their communities, and make an immense contribution to the economy. 

• 60% of the population lives in poverty in Guatemala.
• Guatemala has the 3rd highest rate of violent deaths for women in the world.
• There are very few traditional employment opportunities, especially for women.
• Over 70% of working women in Guatemala are self-employed in the informal workforce. 

With an average of just four years of education, most women entrepreneurs lack financial literacy and basic business skills to run successful businesses. 

Namaste’s mission is to empower economically vulnerable Guatemalan women with the skills and resources to grow profitable businesses, achieve financial security, and pursue their dreams. 

Since 2008, Namaste has economically empowered 4,500 women through our signature Creating Prosperity Program (CPP). The CPP combines business advising, financial literacy training, and customized microloans to help women entrepreneurs formalize their business models, manage their finances, and dramatically increase their profits.