Empowering dreams: How Opportunity International are changing lives

The ripple effect of empowerment

Opportunity International's mission is simple yet profound: by supporting women and girls, they help end poverty.

This isn't just a slogan; it's a proven model that creates a ripple effect of transformation for millions of families and communities globally.

Imagine a world where a small loan and supportive training can unlock an entrepreneur's potential. That's precisely what Opportunity International does. Their unique entrepreneurial model provides small loans, vital training, and ongoing support, enabling individuals to grow their own businesses and generate sustainable incomes.

It's about empowering people to lift themselves out of poverty, with the tools to build their own futures

The impact is clear. 

• 97% of loan clients are women, recognizing their critical role in family and community well-being.
• Opportunity International boasts an impressive 98% historical repayment rate on their loans, a testament to the dedication and success of their clients.
• Thanks to the unwavering support of their global network, Opportunity International has touched the lives of 7.5 million people, helping them grow small sustainable businesses, expanding health and women’s safety training in remote communities, and providing loans for education and agriculture.

Ika's story: A testament to transformation

The true heart of Opportunity International's work is best seen in the lives they transform. Meet Ika, a remarkable 25-year-old mother of two from rural Indonesia.

After struggling to make ends meet as a farmhand, she started a small business selling fried snacks.

However, a lack of cashflow limited her growth.

"Sometimes I sold for one day and then had to stop for two days. I was waiting for the capital first," Ika shared.

With a loan of just Rp 2 million (approximately A$190) from Opportunity International, she was able to buy ingredients in bulk and produce snacks every day. She expanded her business and used her profits to buy a refrigerator, which allowed her to increase production and sales.

But Ika's transformation extends far beyond her business success. A little over a year ago, she participated in Opportunity International’s Health Leader training program, gaining crucial knowledge to educate her community on basic health and hygiene.

She is now a respected leader in her village, offering invaluable guidance and support to families on both health and business matters.

Ika no longer feels isolated; she possesses the tools and knowledge to secure a brighter future.

Her mindset has shifted from mere survival to ambitious growth, and she dreams of expanding her business even further, ensuring a better education for her daughters than she had.

SilverChef's commitment: A partnership that matters

At SilverChef, our commitment to Opportunity International runs deep, woven into the fabric of our company culture. Our customers and employees embrace this partnership, making a tangible difference in the lives of people like Ika.

In FY2025, our collective efforts have raised an incredible $203,200 for Opportunity International. A result of various initiatives:

• $182,000 donated by our generous customers through their rental payments, with an average of 7,240 customer contracts making regular contributions.
• $21,200 donated through our payroll giving program, which includes contributions from our dedicated SilverChef Group employees across Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, alongside matching by SilverChef.

Join the movement

The partnership between SilverChef and Opportunity International is a testament to the power of collective action. By providing small loans and vital support, we're not just helping individuals; we're creating a ripple effect that transforms entire communities.

We are incredibly proud to support this vital work and invite you to join us in making a difference.

To learn more about their mission and impact, please visit the Opportunity International website.

Ready to empower an entrepreneur and change a life?

Talk to SilverChef today to see how you can donate through your weekly rental payments. Together, we can build a better future, one business at a time.