Cooperativa Semilla de Mostaza 
(Coomostaza-Mustard Seed Cooperative)

This pioneering program was created by Fundación Paz y Bien with funding  from USAID, AlvarAlice and the assistance of the Universidad del Valle.  This initiative was selected by the US Grameen Foundation as the only Colombian-based organization to receive their technical support due to its adherence to the core principles and values associated with Muhammad Yunus's Grameen methodology.  The Cooperative began its lending operations in 2005 with a base of 400 clients, 90% of them internally displaced women.  Expansion plans include an additional 1,500 new borrowers in the Aguablanca District and a second branch office in the city of Medellín.