Sathapana, formerly known as Cambodian Entrepreneur Building Ltd, is a microfinance organisation in Cambodia. Since starting operations in 1996, Sathapana has provided 315,000 loans with a total value of US$126m to over 108,000 households. With each loan benefitting several family members, Sathapana’s lending has had a positive impact for an estimated 700,000 people.

Sathapana has 33 branches, covering 14 provincial areas and reaching 3,000 rural villages. It employs 653 full time staff members, of whom 117 are women. All staff members are paid above the local minimum wage, enabling them to have better access to training and healthcare.

An affiliate of CDC’s fund manager Shorecap International, Shorecap Exchange invested in Sathapana in 2004 and has provided Sathapana with technical assistance to improve its financial, audit and information systems.

Apart from the provision of finance, Sathapana is focused on actively helping entrepreneurial poor people, especially women, to develop micro-enterprises. Women run more than 60% of all micro-enterprises in Cambodia. Despite a strong entrepreneurial culture, women have limited opportunities for employment.

Approximately 70% of loans made by Sathapana are to women. Higher income for women as the household financial managers tends to result in better nutrition, welfare, and education for children and other dependents.

Sathapana has employed a specialist environmental officer to strengthen environmental management. Measures include encouraging environmental awareness amongst staff, with an emphasis on recycling, the use of energy efficient light bulbs, and the safe disposal of hazardous materials.

1 From year-end 2008, except for when stated otherwise.
2 US$1.25m invested by ShoreCap International, CDC’s commitment to ShoreCap International is US$4m; total fund size is US$28.5m.
3 2004-2008.