Outreach in number is achieved by simple credit group model based on groups of ten women with a democratically elected leader managing this micro entity.
	Branches at Chennai, Vellore and Kanchipuram are computerised.
	Computerisation of other branches is on the pipeline.
	Access to micro-credit services through neighbourhood groups formed in the slums and villages.

	Every member is a shareholder of the co-operative society and has a say in the policies of the network.
	Large-scale outreach and quick multiplication of groups despite phenomenal growth, retention of its grassroots character that has promoted the Vice-Presidents and Treasurers are from the rank and file of the organisation.
	Quick processing of loans.
	Loans disbursed are occupation-specific catering to entrepreneurial Requirements.

	Loan sizes are small starting from Rs.1600 and reaches up to Rs.30,000. Application and repayment procedures evolved and tailored to the needs of the members.
	Low cost model on banking operations.
	No collateral - loans are disbursed with mutual guarantee provided by group members and leaders-instead of any physical collateral.
	The repayment rates is 98.66%

	The co-operative network offers savings facility at 5% interest paid to deposits. It charges 8.25 % interest when calculated on a flat rate and 18% p.a. on declining balance.
	Loans may be categorised as trade, technology, housing, sanitation and production loans.
	Immediate detection of default, peer pressure tactics, effective information dissemination and feed back systems keep defaults to the minimum.
	Institution of group-based life insurance for women workers in the unorganised sector is innovative and provides them social security.
	The credit delivery methodology in addition to being participatory also ensures personalised attention to the members providing them an opportunity to achieve upward economic mobility and better standard of living.
	The co-operative network has achieved full operational self sufficiency and financial self sufficiency to meet growing demands of its members.
	Has successfully broken rigid banking conventions to create informal and easy operate banking network which is sensitive to human values and concerns.

On the Socio-Economic front, however poor, without assets and invisible, the women, when approached with suitable interventions, addressing their critical needs, their change and transformation is multitude. WWF's unique bottom up' approach to development, putting poor women's priorities first and promoting leadership from below (Chambers/Ekins), help them to overcome their immediate problems and enhances their capacity to save.

The gradual increase in economic assistance through loans resulted directly in the improved capital investment in their existing business, either by way of technology upgradation or diversification in trade, leading to increased household income, and asset creation in the form of better roofing (Madras), flooring/walls (Madras) cattle (Bidar), gold (Adiramapattinam), additional loom (Kanchipuram), consumables (Madras) etc. This in due course of time ensured better quality of life and growth.

Also read: Credit and Savings Occupational Profile of ICNW Members