Key to ensuring sustainable development is helping people to earn their own income, which enables them to have economic security, control of their livelihoods, and self-reliance. Most poor people earn only enough to cover their basic immediate needs, and this lack of capital denies them the opportunity to invest in initiatives which will help them out of poverty. Without collateral people are usually unable to secure a loan from a bank or money-lender. For those who can, rates are often unmanageably high, with strict penalties for late repayments. Similarly, a lack of education, resources, skill training and contacts can all prevent disadvantaged local people from generating a stable income from their initiatives.

BRIF established its micro-credit programme in 1994, with support from Palli Karma-Shaok Foundation (PKSF). The programme issues low-rate loans to groups of villagers, especially women, who work together to invest the loan in an income-generating initiative. By working as a committee, they can benefit from the support and shared skills of the group, have a stronger voice in the marketplace, and no individual has sole responsibility for the loan repayment. BRIF provides training in money-management and in making better products, and helps the groups to invest in sustainable initiatives rather than using the loan for their immediate needs. Projects have included:

IGP is currently working with 3,954 beneficiaries, of whom 90% are women.

BRIF began the Community Network for Agri-Products Pressing and Marketing Project in March 2004, in partnership with LCF and Care-Bangladesh. Its focus is specifically on creating extra income for poor people, especially women, through vegetable production, food processing, and marketing. Significantly, this project creates market access for the poor, ensuring fair prices by creating networks and links with local businessmen, and helping poor farmers to understand what a fair price is and how to negotiate it. This enables them to earn a profit for their products, providing increased security for their livelihoods and sustainable steps to moving away from poverty.

Working in Khansama and Saidpur Upazillas, the project is directly helping 315 beneficiaries.

The Handicraft Programme helps rural women and unemployed people by creating employment opportunities through marketing handicrafts. Products include handloom-embroidery, quilts, jute goods, and a variety of craft works that can be sold at market. BRIF provides training in product design, technical knowledge and business skills, and supplies materials and loans to help the beneficiaries get started.

BRIF runs a four month Tailoring Course to help rural people learn the techniques of tailoring. As ready-made clothes are still rare in rural areas, there is a high demand for skilled tailors who can make clothes according to each customer's specifications. Tailoring skills provide flexible opportunities to earn an income, enabling the students to either open a tailoring shop or set up a business from home. After the course, BRIF can provide loans to buy a sewing machine and free advice in setting up a business.