Sowing life-changing impact with Opportunity International Australia

When it comes to creating lasting change, entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful tools we have. Nonprofit organisation, Opportunity International Australia empowers women living in developing countries to start and grow their businesses and generate sustainable incomes.

SilverChef has been proud to work alongside Opportunity International Australia for 22 years.

SilverChef facilitated a contribution of AUD$181,000 in FY24, which included individual staff donations (then matched by SilverChef) as well as additional contributions from 6,500 customers across the world. 

If you're a SilverChef customer (based in Australia or Canada) and would like to make a regular donation to Opportunity International Australia through your Rent-Try-Buy rental payments, please get in touch with our Customer Support team and we can set it up for you. 

For many families that Opportunity International Australia support, a small loan can be a lifeline – helping them start a business, earn a stable income, and afford essentials like food, clean water, shelter, and education. 

Loans as small as $50 can buy a sewing machine for a tailoring shop, seeds for a farm, or stock for a grocery store.

Yet without access to traditional banking due to a lack of collateral or credit history, these families face barriers to breaking the cycle of poverty. Microloans give them the hand up they need to build brighter futures. 

Since 1979, Opportunity International Australia has provided these life-changing loans. SilverChef have proudly partnered with this impactful organisation to give millions of people across the globe the chance to follow their dreams and help break the cycle of poverty. 

Transforming lives through microloans

There’s no doubt that a little support can go a long way. Opportunity International Australia’s microloans offer that “hand up” to people who don’t have access to traditional banking. These small loans help entrepreneurs get started or expand their businesses, create stable incomes, and gain financial independence. With a 98% repayment rate, these funds get recycled back into the community, allowing more entrepreneurs to get started and creating a ripple effect that keeps growing. 

SilverChef is fortunate to be part of this ongoing impact. Through contributions from around 6,500 customers as part of their rental contracts, and direct payroll contributions from many in our global workforce, SilverChef is actively helping Opportunity International Australia support 6.6 million families in their pursuit of a better life. 

Stories of empowered entrepreneurs 

Each impactful loan has the power to create change, opportunity and stability. Below are a handful of the many inspiring stories.

Suryani’s river stone business (Indonesia): Suryani used a microloan to buy a small boat to collect and sell river stones. Her business now brings in IDR 3-4 million (A$300-400) a month – enough to support her family and send her children to school. 

Desriana’s batik weaving business (Indonesia): Desriana expanded her batik weaving business with a small loan. With more fabrics and supplies, she now sells 5-6 pieces each month. Her growing business supports her family and allows her to reinvest in her craft. 

Razia’s buffalo milk business (India): Razia used a loan to buy her first buffalo. Today, she owns six buffaloes and 12 cows, and her income has allowed her family to open a snack shop and improve their home with solar panels and a borewell. 

SilverChef and Opportunity International Australia: A partnership driving change 

Entrepreneurship is about more than financial success – it's about dignity, empowerment, and the potential to transform entire communities.

A single loan can ignite a ripple effect of positive change, turning dreams into reality for millions of people.  

Together with Opportunity International, SilverChef is proud to help create lasting impact that extends far beyond individuals, uplifting families and reshaping futures.  

You can read more about the incredible work of Opportunity International Australia here.