Jakarta, March 16 2009 : BISMA and Manulife Care Foundation have entered into a partnership to enhance access to finance of micro business in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province through linkage with Micro Finance Institutions. The Memoranda of Understanding is signed by Director of BISMA, Ibu M. Ari Widowati dan Chairman and Co Chairman of Manulife Care Foundation, Mr. Henri Murhadiyanto and Mr. A. Masykur respectively on March 16, 2009 to cover a revolving fund placement management of the sums of Rp.1 billion (±USD86,950) throughout three years collaboration.

BISMA acts as facilitator of microfinance program that will select qualified microfinance institutions based on financial performance as well as operational performance with a focus on lending to micro and small enterprises in its surrounding area. Under BISMA design, micro loan size is ranging from Rp.3million (±USD260) up until Rp.7.5million (±USD652) per micro borrower and the proceeds of loan is solely used to cover working capital requirement of micro businesses.

Today, BISMA has maintained to have good and mutual relationships with nine (9) microfinance institutions in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (in Banda Aceh, Aceh Besar and Pidie districts). The partnership with Manulife Care Foundation is expected to expand BISMA partnerships with other microfinance institutions in Aceh which in turn will expand the impact of micro finance program delivered by BISMA i.e. increased access to finance of micro businesses in Aceh.