Who We Are

Higher Power Enterprises (HPE) is a structured microcredit lending institution operating in rural Tanzania. Founded to address the gap between traditional banking systems and rural entrepreneurs, HPE provides access to operating capital for individuals who would otherwise be excluded from formal financial services.

The leadership team works closely with village communities, ensuring accountability, transparency, and disciplined capital management at every level of the program.

Our Clients

Our primary clients are women running small-scale businesses, transport operators (Guta and Boda Boda), and rural families seeking economic stability. These individuals are hardworking and resourceful but lack collateral, formal employment, or access to traditional financial services. HPE exists to bridge that gap.

Meet Our Leadership

Curtis B Cline — Founder & USA Representative
 

Curtis B Cline founded Higher Power Enterprises with a vision of creating a disciplined, self-sustaining microcredit model that delivers real economic opportunity to rural communities in Tanzania. Based in the United States, Curtis oversees the strategic direction of HPE, donor relations, and international partnerships.

Watch Curtis's Message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHCUJHJJl-g

Madam Teddy Chuwa — President & Tanzania Representative

 

Madam Teddy Chuwa grew up in extreme poverty in Sambarai Village and currently resides in Moshi with her four daughters. She oversees daily program operations, travels directly to villages to meet with women's groups, and ensures that every loan cycle runs with full transparency and accountability. She also serves as the Manager of Stella Maris Lodge.

Watch Teddy's Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JCejSppl2Q

 

HPE Goal

To make the world a better place — one loan, one family, one village at a time.

Mission Statement

To empower disadvantaged populations, especially women with children, by providing short-term, low-interest loans that enable them to actively and effectively engage in local commerce and improve their lives.

Program Background

HPE funded its first women's empowerment group in April 2024 in Mbatakero Village. Today, HPE operates across three villages — Mbatakero, Ngosero, and Kilimamswaki — serving 41 active women's groups. In addition, HPE manages asset-based loans for 8 Guta three-wheel vehicles and 8 Boda Boda motorcycles, supporting transportation and market access across all three villages.

HPE has directly and indirectly impacted approximately 632 people through its women's groups, transportation initiatives, agricultural support, and community development programs.

Lending Philosophy

HPE is not a full-service bank. Our focus is providing small business loans that supply operating capital for women and larger asset-based loans for Guta and Boda Boda purchases to help transport goods to market.

Loan Structure

The first loan term is intentionally smaller and shorter to allow participants time to shift from a survival mindset to a business-focused mindset.

  • Step 1: 100,000 TZS at 6% interest for 90 days — repayment of 106,000 TZS at completion.
  • Step 2: 300,000 TZS at 6% interest for 120 days — repayment of 318,000 TZS at completion.

This process continues with full transparency and accountability at every stage. Each completed cycle builds the borrower's financial discipline, business confidence, and eligibility for future lending.

Community-Based Model

HPE relies on community leaders to organize women's groups. HPE staff travel directly to villages to meet with participants, explain program terms, and answer questions. Each participant signs a standardized contract clearly outlining loan terms and interest.

All interest collected is reinvested back into the program to fund additional women's groups, ensuring long-term sustainability without reliance on external donors.

Governance & Sustainability

HPE operates as a sole proprietorship to ensure that interest earned remains within the community. HPE does not answer to shareholders seeking dividends. Instead, the focus is on maximizing community impact while maintaining modest, responsible operating costs.

As HPE grows, staff receive fair but reasonable compensation. The ultimate goal is for HPE to become fully self-sustaining through loan repayments and interest, allowing long-term operation with or without external support.

Program Integrity

To date, no participant or driver has ever missed a payment. This accountability-driven model has proven effective in building financial discipline, trust, and lasting economic empowerment across every village HPE serves.