Benjamin Hess is a CRS international development fellow living in Guatemala and working with savings-led microfinance programs. He writes a weekly (schedule permitting) blog post about microfinancing in Guatemala.

Once promotoras help form the initial savings groups within a community, others see the benefits and want to start more groups. In most cases, members of the already-formed savings groups promote the approach and help organize new groups within their communities. Over time, savings groups may develop in neighboring communities, creating a ripple effect that can dramatically increase savings-led microfinance initiatives. The replication process usually does not require any heavy financial investment from external organizations, but it does entail a careful calculation regarding the pace of expansion and the potential burdens on existing groups.
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