This is what i found on the State departments site. What a shame.


Press Releases 05
U.S. Government Provides $10 Million to Support Small Entrepreneurs

Mexico City, July 22, 2005 – “Whether it’s a loan for a new roof, a taxi or tuition, small loans change lives, � said U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza. “Access to savings and credit creates opportunities, makes citizens more secure and expands economic growth.�

The U.S. government is expanding its support for the micro-finance sector in Mexico with a new five-year $10 million program that seeks to reach a minimum of 500,000 new clients. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice launched the program during her March 10, 2005 visit to FinComún in Mexico City.

Ambassador Garza went on to say, “Through the Embassy’s efforts, key Mexican micro-finance institutions will receive technical assistance and training to strengthen and expand operations. Less than 40% of Mexicans have bank accounts, with small entrepreneurs severely disadvantaged by a lack of credit. By offering innovative services in remittances and rural finance, improving regulation systems, and expanding local micro-finance services, these institutions hope to meet the needs of new clients.�

Today representatives of the Mexican micro-finance institutions selected for participation in the Micro-Finance Strengthening Project held their inaugural meeting that was also attended by representatives from the Secretariat of the Economy, the Secretariat of Agriculture and the National Stock Market and Banking Commission.

“These organizations are working together to help others take the first steps toward a more secure financial future,� said Ambassador Garza. “The American people are proud to support this effort; access to savings and credit is an essential step forward towards economic independence.�

The partners in the Micro-Finance Strengthening Project and the regions they serve are:

Alternativa Solidaria Chiapas (ALSOL), Chiapas
Asociación Mexicana de Uniones de Crédito del Sector Social, A.C. (AMUCSS), Mexico City
Asociación Promujer de México (PROMUJER), Hidalgo
Caja Libertad SCL (CL), Querétaro
Capacitación y Desarrollo Microempresarial (CADEMI), San Luis PotosÃÂ*
Centro de Apoyo al Microempresario (CAME), Mexico City
Depósito y Servicios Pecuarious de Noroeste (DESPENSO), Sinaloa
Financiera Compartamos (COMPARTAMOS), Mexico City
FinComún, Servicios Financieros Comunitarios (FINCOMÚN), Mexico City
Fundacion Integral Comunitaria (FINCA)
Fondo 5 de Mayo, Puebla
Promotora de Servicios Rurales (FIDEMER), Mexico City



U. S. Ambassador Tony Garza visit beneficiaries of The Foundation for International Community Assistance’ (FINCA) program.