Ma`rifat Eqtesadi

This study was conducted with the aim of monitoring microenterprises and evaluating the performance of microfinance institutions on Qeshm Island. Using the SWOT approach, it sought to identify internal strengths and weaknesses along with external opportunities and threats, and to design an Islamic and operational model for the development of microfinance. In terms of purpose, the research is applied, and in terms of nature and data collection method, it follows a mixed (qualitative–quantitative) approach. The research data consisted of secondary sources (official and regional reports) and primary data obtained through field interviews. For data analysis, the SWOT model was applied to identify the internal strengths and weaknesses as well as the external opportunities and threats of microenterprises in Qeshm Island. The institutional performance of microfinance organizations was also assessed through content analysis of interviews and registered data. The findings revealed that economic sectors such as fisheries and aquaculture, food processing industries, tourism, handicrafts, and innovative agriculture possess competitive advantages. However, challenges including weak branding and marketing, insufficient cold storage and logistics infrastructure, difficulties in obtaining permits, and limited working capital constitute major obstacles to the growth of these enterprises. The institutional evaluation further indicated that overlapping responsibilities, lack of coordination among financing institutions, and weaknesses in designing instruments suited to the island’s conditions have reduced the effectiveness of policies. Accordingly, the present article proposes an Islamic, localized, and operational model grounded in diversifying financial resources (waqf, zakat, charitable donations, and interest-free loans), group guarantee mechanisms, and linking microcredits to local value chains.