TVF’s approach to micro-finance is holistic with an emphasis on training, funding and support. Entrepreneurs, many who have had no access to education, need training in specific product skills and generic business practice. Furthermore, ongoing mentoring is crucial, especially in the areas of marketing and business support. TVF has initiated four funds in Asia to date, utilising a number of micro-finance models locations including clustering, group schemes and incubators. The funds are revolving in nature, where the nominal interest made from microfinance plus the working capital sum, are re-invested to help new entrepreneurs once the original loans have been repaid. TVF’s approach to microfinance is focused on empowerment through education.

All products through the TVF Micro-Finance Fund will be branded True Life! True Life will refer to products made by micro-entrepreneurs to high quality benchmarks. All products will be organically sustained and consumables will be high in nutritional value.

All products produced will have different route to market strategies. Many will be individually sold inside villages, on the roadside, wholesale at local markets. The opportunity exists to also sell these products to larger outlets and even consider the international export potential. All profits made from True Life products will be channelled to helping more micro-entrepreneurs (i.e. reinvested into TVF’s Micro-Finance Funds) or used to meet the operational costs of TVF’s other charitable programmes.

In time TVF will help source larger orders from national and international customers once a network of entrepreneurs have been trained and have the capability to manage high demand levels.