This document is a guide for financial institutions, development finance organizations, and donors interested in gaining a better understanding of value chain finance and how to integrate it into their product mix. It is based on WOCCU’s award-winning program in Peru and its implementation with six partner credit unions. This manual presents a basic model for implementing value chain finance, including how to initially assess the potential for a value chain finance initiative, as well as the specific procedures to put one in place.

The purpose of this manual is to provide a guide for financial institutions interested in value chain finance. It was created to assist financial service practitioners, development finance professionals, and managers of donor-funded technical assistance projects. This manual presents a basic model that should be carefully adjusted for local conditions, the enabling environment, and the risk profile of the specific financial institution.