No One Builds Financial Security Alone
Join a Success Circle And Build A Stronger Future
Join A Success Circle
Learn About Our Services
Why Support Matters
Many People Succeed Because of Their Networks—Not Just Their Effort
Affluent individuals often benefit from invisible safety nets—family, mentors, and friends who offer financial help and guidance.
Low-income individuals are just as hardworking and resilient—but often lack access to that same support.
Success Circles were created to close that gap.
What Is a Success Circle
A Small Group, A Big Impact
Each Success Circle includes 4 to 8 borrowers and 1 to 2 facilitators.
Circles support each other through:
- Shared learning
- Goal setting and accountability
- Peer mentoring and emotional support
- Cultural and social enrichment
Small Things Enterprises provides templates, training, and tools but each group is led by its own members.
How Circles Build Financial Security
Success Circles Shape Loan, Credit And Savings Solutions To Their Goals
Group-Led Credit Builder Loans:
Each member of the group takes a credit builder loan
Repayment is tracked and reported individually
Shortfalls from individuals are made good by the group (according to agreements established by the group)
ROSCAs (Rotating Savings and Credit Associations):
Members contribute monthly, one receives lump sum each round.
Small Things Enterprises reports payments to credit agencieBuilds savings and credit.
Loan size set by ROSCA and not subject to STE limitation
ASCAs (Accumulating Savings and Credit Associations):
Members pool monies in a common fund
Funds accumulate and are lent out as needed (according to agreements established by the group)
STE may support credit reporting.
Loan size set by ASCA and not subject to STE limitations
Mutual Guarantee Groups:
Each member of the group takes a loan
Repayment is tracked and reported individually
Shortfalls from individuals are made good by the group (according to agreements established by the group)
If one member defaults, all other member may lose access to future loans
Support Circles: Extra Help When You Need It
As a Success Circle member, you’ll also have the opportunity to join a Support Circle — a smaller group focused on specific challenges or goals, such as:
- Building better budgeting habits
- Preparing for job interviews
- Starting a small business
- Overcoming behavioral or financial challenges
Support Circles are optional, but they give you access to specialized guidance and peer problem-solving when you want to dig deeper into a particular area of your financial journey.
Why Join a Success Circle?
- Access Bigger Loans – Work toward larger no-cost loans as a team.
- Accountability & Peer Support – Stay on track with encouragement from others.
- Specialized Help – Get targeted advice through optional Support Circles.
- Expert Guidance – Benefit from facilitator coaching and support.
- Community & Connection – Build relationships with others working toward the same goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Success Circles are at the heart of how we help people thrive. They bring together small groups of neighbors, friends, and peers who support one another in reaching financial goals, building savings, and handling setbacks. By combining encouragement, accountability, and practical advice, Success Circles turn what can feel like an individual struggle into a shared journey toward stability and opportunity.
What is a Success Circle?
A Success Circle is a small group of up to 8 members who meet regularly to encourage one another, stay accountable, and share strategies for building financial stability. Circles create a safe space to celebrate progress and tackle challenges together.
Who can join a Success Circle?
Anyone participating in our loan programs is welcome to join. No financial expertise is needed—just a willingness to set goals, encourage others, and stay committed to the group.
Why would I want to join a Success Circle?
Members often find it easier to reach their goals when they know others are cheering them on. Being part of a circle can also unlock larger loan opportunities and extra support, since groups that work well together tend to repay more consistently and build stronger savings habits.
How many people are in a circle?
A circle can have up to 8 members and 1 volunteer. This keeps the group small enough so every voice is heard but large enough for members to learn from each other.
How often do Success Circles meet?
Most circles meet once or twice a month, either in person or online, for about an hour.
What happens during a meeting?
Members check in on their goals, share successes and struggles, and offer encouragement. Some meetings also focus on financial tools—like budgeting, credit building, or saving for emergencies.
How does shared accountability work?
Each Success Circle commits to supporting one another in repaying loans. If one member does not meet their loan obligations, the entire group is not eligible for new loans until the issue is resolved. Most groups are formed by people who already know and trust each other—friends, family, or neighbors—so members are motivated not to let one another down. For groups formed from people new to each other, shared accountability begins only after the circle has spent time building trust and working together.
What if someone in the group has an emergency?
Circles are designed to provide support during unexpected challenges. Members can help by sharing ideas, pooling resources, or offering short-term assistance until the person gets back on track. The group works together so one person’s crisis doesn’t derail everyone’s progress.
Is participation required to receive a loan?
No, you can borrow without joining a circle. But being in a Success Circle may help you qualify more quickly for emergency loans or larger borrowing amounts, since lenders see that you have built-in support and accountability.
Do I have to share personal details with the group?
No. You decide what you’re comfortable sharing. Many members choose to talk about small steps—like making a payment or setting aside savings—that help build accountability without going into private details.
What role does the volunteer play?
A volunteer helps guide meetings at the start to make sure the group feels comfortable and confident. Over time, as the circle grows stronger, the volunteer steps back and plays whatever role is most useful—sometimes just offering encouragement or helping connect members to outside resources.
How much does it cost to join?
There’s no cost. Success Circles are offered as part of our loan program to give every participant a stronger chance to succeed.
A Success Circle is a small group of up to 8 members who meet regularly to encourage one another, stay accountable, and share strategies for building financial stability. Circles create a safe space to celebrate progress and tackle challenges together.
Anyone participating in our loan programs is welcome to join. No financial expertise is needed—just a willingness to set goals, encourage others, and stay committed to the group.
Members often find it easier to reach their goals when they know others are cheering them on. Being part of a circle can also unlock larger loan opportunities and extra support, since groups that work well together tend to repay more consistently and build stronger savings habits.
A circle can have up to 8 members and 1 volunteer. This keeps the group small enough so every voice is heard but large enough for members to learn from each other.
Most circles meet once or twice a month, either in person or online, for about an hour.
Members check in on their goals, share successes and struggles, and offer encouragement. Some meetings also focus on financial tools—like budgeting, credit building, or saving for emergencies.
Each Success Circle commits to supporting one another in repaying loans. If one member does not meet their loan obligations, the entire group is not eligible for new loans until the issue is resolved. Most groups are formed by people who already know and trust each other—friends, family, or neighbors—so members are motivated not to let one another down. For groups formed from people new to each other, shared accountability begins only after the circle has spent time building trust and working together.
Circles are designed to provide support during unexpected challenges. Members can help by sharing ideas, pooling resources, or offering short-term assistance until the person gets back on track. The group works together so one person’s crisis doesn’t derail everyone’s progress.
No, you can borrow without joining a circle. But being in a Success Circle may help you qualify more quickly for emergency loans or larger borrowing amounts, since lenders see that you have built-in support and accountability.
No. You decide what you’re comfortable sharing. Many members choose to talk about small steps—like making a payment or setting aside savings—that help build accountability without going into private details.
A volunteer helps guide meetings at the start to make sure the group feels comfortable and confident. Over time, as the circle grows stronger, the volunteer steps back and plays whatever role is most useful—sometimes just offering encouragement or helping connect members to outside resources.
There’s no cost. Success Circles are offered as part of our loan program to give every participant a stronger chance to succeed.