David Bussau holding child

Giving a Little Credit

AusAID supports many non-government organisations specialising in microfinance activities. Among them is Opportunity International.

Opportunity International's co-founder is Australian David Bussau, AM - one of the first and most influential implementers of microfinance.

David's journey began in 1976 in Bali when he realised the poor needed more than temporary assistance provided by traditional approaches to development.

He began making small personal low-interest loans to assist enterprising local people to help themselves.

Applying business thinking and entrepreneurial principles, David gave poor people the power and means to live sustainably, provide for their families and transform their own lives. In the process he formed a new methodology known as Micro Enterprise Development (MED).

Thirty years on, David's continuing contribution to enterprise has been recognised. He's become the first social entrepreneur to be awarded the prestigious Australian Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Ernst & Young.

In the 18 years these awards have run, none of the 35 participating countries has ever given their national title to an entrepreneur from a not-for-profit sector. But then again, no previous World Entrepreneur of the Year winner - never mind national winner - can lay claim to creating over two million jobs world wide and lifting 20 million people out of poverty.

Yet this is exactly what David's organisation, Opportunity International, has achieved. At the award ceremony Brian Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer, Ernst & Young Australia, said, 'David Bussau is the ultimate entrepreneur. By providing the resources for others to become entrepreneurs he has positively impacted millions of people and served as an inspiration for us all.'

Above: David Bussau in East Timor; Photo: Opportunity International

2005