Partners Worldwide
Partners Worldwide is a faith-based nonprofit founded in 1997 that mobilizes a global network of 107 local partner organizations, 1,000+ volunteer business mentors, and 66 staff across 30+ countries to alleviate poverty through business training, microfinance, and coaching for marginalized entrepreneurs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1997
- HeadquartersGrand Rapids, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Partners Worldwide does
Partners Worldwide is a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based nonprofit organization founded in 1997 that mobilizes a global Christian network to alleviate poverty through business partnerships. The organization's core model connects three entities: Local Community Institutions (LCIs) — independent, locally-owned partner organizations in 30+ countries; volunteer Business Affiliates (BAs) — skilled professionals donating expertise in accounting, sales, law, banking, and business operations; and the Partners Worldwide global staff, which identifies new LCIs, equips BAs, and facilitates partnerships. As of FY2024/2025, the network includes 107 LCIs, 66 staff members, over 1,000 volunteers, and has supported 337,115 client businesses and farms globally.
The organization delivers its impact through four pillars: training (biblical-principles-based curricula for micro and small enterprises), coaching (volunteer business mentorship), investing (microfinance loans totaling $27.4M dispersed), and network building (cross-country partnership facilitation). Complementary initiatives include Seed 100 (agricultural innovation matching grants), Digital Leap (technology and e-commerce grants including the Moja Market platform), Investing in Women (women entrepreneur empowerment), and the Access to Capital program (30 active FinAccess microfinance partnerships). Notable outcomes include 44,746 jobs supported, 718,473 jobs sustained, 37,903 training graduates, and 60% female business clients.
Partners Worldwide generated $8,513,020 in total revenue in FY2024/2025 against $6,497,549 in expenses, with revenue mix of 69.2% from individual/church/business donations, 23.8% from investments and other revenue, and 7% from foundation grants. The organization holds ECFA financial accountability certification and Charity Navigator ratings, operates under President & CEO Bob Vryhof, and maintains an embedded regional management structure with Partnership Managers across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the United States.
Partners Worldwide firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Partners Worldwide
- Legal name
- Partners Worldwide
- Website
- https://partnersworldwide.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1997
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Partners Worldwide is a faith-based nonprofit founded in 1997 that mobilizes a global network of 107 local partner organizations, 1,000+ volunteer business mentors, and 66 staff across 30+ countries to alleviate poverty through business training, microfinance, and coaching for marginalized entrepreneurs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Partners Worldwide industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Poverty Alleviation and Economic Development Services
- NAICS
- Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Miscellaneous Business Credit Institution (6159)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Financial Inclusion & Consumer Empowerment (Banking Access, Credit Building) (BPAGALAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Infrastructure, Housing & Community Development (BPAGABAL)
Keywords
Where Partners Worldwide is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Grand Rapids
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Partners Worldwide business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Individual, Church & Business Donations: Primary revenue stream from individual donors, churches, and businesses contributing to the organization's mission. Represents 69.2% of total revenue ($8,513,020 total revenue reported for 2024/2025).
- Investments & Other Revenue: Investment returns and other miscellaneous revenue streams. Represents 23.8% of total revenue.
- Foundation Revenue: Grants and funding from foundations supporting poverty alleviation and economic development initiatives. Represents 7% of total revenue.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Partners Worldwide product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Partners Worldwide delivers poverty alleviation services through a three-way partnership model that connects Local Community Institutions (LCIs), volunteer Business Affiliates (BAs), and PW global staff. The organization provides training, coaching, microfinance/loan capital, and network building support to entrepreneurs and small business owners in marginalized communities across 30+ countries. Specific offerings include business training curricula, volunteer mentorship, loan funds through partner microfinance institutions, and targeted initiatives (Seed 100, Digital Leap, Investing in Women, Access to Capital).
Product overview
Partners Worldwide operates as a network-based nonprofit organization rather than a software product company. Its core offering is a partnership model that mobilizes Local Community Institutions (LCIs), volunteer Business Affiliates (BAs), and PW staff to fight poverty through business. The organization complements this model with four strategic initiatives: Seed 100 (agricultural innovation funding), Digital Leap (technology grants), Investing in Women (women's empowerment), and Access to Capital (microfinance programs). The Business Affiliate volunteer program enables skilled professionals to provide training, coaching, and mentorship to entrepreneurs in underserved communities globally.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Seed 100: Innovation fund supporting agricultural initiatives led by local partner organizations that aim to alleviate poverty and empower marginalized communities through research, piloting, and proving viable agricultural business models.
- Digital Leap
- Investing in Women
Products and services
- Partnership Model A three-way partnership model connecting Local Community Institutions (LCIs), volunteer Business Affiliates (BAs), and Partners Worldwide staff to support entrepreneurs and small business owners in marginalized communities through training, coaching, investing, and network building.
- Seed 100 An innovation fund supporting agricultural initiatives led by local partner organizations, offering matching grants for research, piloting, and proving the viability of agricultural business models to alleviate poverty in rural communities.
- Digital Leap A technology initiative offering matching grants for projects designed to escalate business models through digital tools and technology, focusing on internet access, digital skill development, e-commerce promotion, and network connectivity.
- Investing in Women An initiative supporting women-focused projects led by local partner organizations that address barriers preventing women from achieving their potential as redemptive business owners, offering matching grants, coaching, and mentoring.
- Access to Capital A program providing funds for loans and microloans, working with partners on innovative projects including the PW Loan Fund and FinAccess Pilot to tackle gaps in lending systems for micro, small, and medium enterprises.
- Business Affiliate Program A volunteer program where passionate individuals serve alongside Local Community Institutions as business coaches, offering ideas, advice, encouragement, and prayer support to help grow and expand the impact of local partners.
Quantifiable outcome
- 337,115 client businesses/farms supported globally
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Partners Worldwide
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Partners Worldwide technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Partners Worldwide partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.
- One BIGG Island in Space / BIGGBY COFFEEflagshipNational coffee chain with 450+ locations that partnered with Elevar (coffee co-op) to bring Honduran coffee to the US market. BIGGBY buys directly from farmers, eliminating middlemen.
- CredateccoreLocal partner in El Salvador providing microfinance loans to entrepreneurs. Credatec has partnered with Maria, a corner store owner, providing loans that enabled her to expand from selling 5-10 lbs of sugar to 100 lb sacks.
- Virtuous Women (VW)coreChristian, women-owned and led cooperative society in Nigeria where entrepreneurs work towards the common goal of bringing one another out of poverty. Provided loans to Merci for her electronics store and apartment rental business.
- AfricaWorks Swaziland (AWS)coreLocal partner in Eswatini equipping beekeepers with training, market access, and technical support. Equipped Nokuthula with bee suit, smoker, moisture meter, and beehive construction skills.
- KatuwangcorePartner in the Philippines that provided Al with a $5,000 loan to launch Senoro Green Farm. Became the first LCI (Local Community Institution) established in the Philippines.
- Yayasan Wahana Generasi Bintang (YWGB)coreLocal partner in Indonesia created from the belief that churches cannot be ignorant of poverty. Provided microenterprise training to pastors including Mody, Nyami, Acong, Frida, Olvi, and Okta.
- AMG GuatemalacoreLocal partner providing courses that worked for Imelda's schedule and budget. Trained women in sewing skills. Also partnered with Rosalía to help her beaded crafts business expand beyond tourism.
- National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL)coreLocal partner in Sri Lanka helping Sundaralingam secure a loan for goats and Christopher receive potato seeds and farm fencing through microenterprise training.
- Alliance Development Trust (ADT)coreLocal partner in Sri Lanka operating War Widows project. Provided Gnanaruby with financial training, deep freezer, and ice production business support. Also invested in Thayavathi's fabric shop expansion.
- Ennovate LabcoreLocal Nigerian partner that created the Brave Redemptive Fellowship, a 10-month residential tech fellowship kickstarted by a PW Digital Leap grant. Samson attended and developed his Alaafia microfinance startup.
- Convoy of HopecoreLocal partner in the Philippines that provided Manilyn with PW microenterprise training and a pig grant to start her hog-raising business.
- Samaritana Transformation MinistriescoreLocal partner in the Philippines where Ed serves as Board Member, Master Trainer, and Business Affiliate, conducting trainings for LCIs.
- EMFAPcoreLocal partner in Ecuador providing Financial Education training that helped Daniel discover his calling as an entrepreneur and barber shop owner.
- Fundacion Yachashun Kawasaypak del Ecuador (FYKDE)coreLocal partner meaning 'learning to live' that trained Olga and Rosalino to produce organic biol plant feed and helped their strawberry cooperative access better markets.
- Digital Leap Advisory TeamcoreVolunteer group of highly skilled tech industry professionals reviewing Digital Leap project proposals for technology initiatives including Moja Market eCommerce platform.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Partners Worldwide competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Kiva: Kiva operates a global microfinance crowdfunding platform connecting lenders to entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Like Partners Worldwide, it channels capital to micro and small businesses in developing countries, but does so through an online marketplace model rather than a Local Community Institution network.
- Grameen Foundation: Grameen Foundation fights poverty through microfinance and technology-enabled programs targeting women entrepreneurs in developing countries. Both organizations share a foundational focus on poverty alleviation via access to capital and training, though Grameen emphasizes digital products and direct lending more heavily.
- Opportunity International: Opportunity International is a faith-rooted microfinance institution providing loans, savings, and training to entrepreneurs in developing countries. It shares Partners Worldwide's Christian identity and focus on financial inclusion, but operates its own regulated microfinance subsidiaries rather than partnering through independent LCIs.
- Accion International: Accion is a global nonprofit committed to financial inclusion, operating microfinance institutions and investment vehicles serving underserved entrepreneurs. Its microfinance-first orientation closely mirrors Partners Worldwide's Access to Capital program, though Accion is significantly larger in scale.
- TechnoServe: TechnoServe works with entrepreneurs in developing countries to build competitive farms, businesses, and industries. It shares Partners Worldwide's 'business solutions to poverty' framing, with comparable geographic footprint in Africa and Latin America, though TechnoServe focuses more on value-chain and agriculture programs.
- FINCA International: FINCA operates a global network of microfinance banks and village banking programs serving low-income entrepreneurs. Its hub-and-spoke microfinance model across multiple African, Latin American, and Asian markets is structurally similar to Partners Worldwide's LCI network approach.
- Heifer International: Heifer International alleviates poverty through sustainable agriculture and livestock programs supporting smallholder farmers. Both organizations pair training, capital, and community-based partnerships, with significant overlap in agricultural client base across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Broad incumbents
- BRAC: BRAC is one of the world's largest development nonprofits, operating programs across microfinance, education, health, and entrepreneurship across multiple developing countries. It is comparable in business-focused poverty alleviation but operates at vastly larger scale and is non-faith-based.
- Mercy Corps: Mercy Corps is a global humanitarian and development organization working in fragile environments through market-driven approaches. It shares Partners Worldwide's geographic overlap and entrepreneurship focus but is significantly larger and operates as a secular (non-faith-based) organization.
- World Vision: World Vision is a large Christian humanitarian organization operating community development, microfinance, and emergency relief programs across 100+ countries. It shares Partners Worldwide's faith-based identity and development model but operates at materially larger scale and broader program scope.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Partners Worldwide social profiles
Digital presencePartners Worldwide financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Partners Worldwide leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Partners Worldwide funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Partners Worldwide M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Partners Worldwide
What does Partners Worldwide do?
Partners Worldwide delivers poverty alleviation services through a three-way partnership model that connects Local Community Institutions (LCIs), volunteer Business Affiliates (BAs), and PW global staff. The organization provides training, coaching, microfinance/loan capital, and network building support to entrepreneurs and small business owners in marginalized communities across 30+ countries. Specific offerings include business training curricula, volunteer mentorship, loan funds through partner microfinance institutions, and targeted initiatives (Seed 100, Digital Leap, Investing in Women, Access to Capital).
Is Partners Worldwide a public or private company?
Partners Worldwide is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Partners Worldwide founded?
Partners Worldwide was founded in 1997. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Partners Worldwide based?
Partners Worldwide is headquartered in Grand Rapids, United States, in the North America region.
How does Partners Worldwide make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Individual, Church & Business Donations are the primary driver. The others are investments & Other Revenue and foundation Revenue.
Who are Partners Worldwide's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Kiva, Grameen Foundation, Opportunity International, Accion International, TechnoServe, FINCA International and Heifer International. Broad incumbents are BRAC, Mercy Corps and World Vision.
Does Partners Worldwide have an API?
No public API is recorded for Partners Worldwide.
What industry is Partners Worldwide in?
Partners Worldwide's product category is Poverty Alleviation and Economic Development Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGALAJ, Financial Inclusion & Consumer Empowerment (Banking Access, Credit Building), with a secondary code of BPAGABAL, Infrastructure, Housing & Community Development. Its NAICS code is 813 and its SIC code is 8300.