In 2000 three Belgorod entrepreneurs organized a group of borrowers that has been working with FORA successfully for more then 5 years by now. Today the group counts 6 persons and Galina Ivanchenko is its leader.

Galina is married, her son finishes school this year. Galina’s husband, Sergey, also became an entrepreneur in 2002. Before that he worked as an engineer at a state enterprise. Galina sells men and women footwear at Belgorod markets. Together with her husband she runs what is called a “family business”.

Galina, a hardworking practical woman, was not cowed by severities and after moving to Belgorod started her business from the ground up. Seven years of hard toil bore fruit: her goods in stock now amount to R 200 000. Her family owns a comfortable apartment in Belgorod.

Galina’s story is typical of her group members: 5 years of cooperation with the Fund changed the life of every borrower. FORA’s loans increased their businesses’ profitability and, as a result, – their families welfare. The product range grew bigger, more outlets were rented. Today the entrepreneurs apply to the Fund for the 10^th, some for the 20^th loan. The sums their businesses now need grew up to R 100 000. By their estimate the commerce is quite successful. Buying in more goods they are able to hold the prices low which in its turn attracts customers.

All the group members are responsible, follow the terms of the agreement and enjoy the discounts for FORA’s loyal customers. They recommend the Fund to other people and plan to keep on working with FORA.

Valentina Sverchkova, 39, is in business for 12 years by now. She is married and has 2 children.

Valentina sells men’s wear (outwear, underwear, pullovers, shirts etc.) in a local trading center and at the Central market. Her husband is a great help to her. Valentina says the main reason for her to start up a business of her own was a simple but strong wish to support her family.

Valentina has been working with FORA for 6 years already. She received her first loan of R 3 000 for 4 months as a group member in 1999. At that time she worked during the weekends at the Central market and the rest of time - at one of the mini markets.

At present Valentina is in her 22^nd loan cycle with R 50 000 for 4 months. She is a member of a group of four borrowers. While working with FORA Valentina managed to increase her stock in trade more than 20 times – from R 7 000 to R 160 000. In 2004 she bought an outlet in a trade center where she is working today.

The Fund not only helped her to successfully develop her own business but finally brought welfare to her family: the Sverchkovs purchased a car, their daughter is studying in a University. In future Valentina plans to improve her family living conditions.