Small Steps Big Strides

A group of women in Lwengo District transformed their VSLA into a registered cooperative, accessing government funding and expanding their businesses with FID's support.

In rural Lwengo District, a group of women once struggled with limited financial access. FID's VSLA program empowered them to pool savings, access loans, and invest in small businesses. Through FID's training and support, they learned financial management, built trust, and grew their collective savings.

This story showcases FID's dedication to sustainable economic growth. By guiding the women from small savings to a formal cooperative, FID unlocked new opportunities for them.

Recognizing their potential, FID facilitated workshops on formal registration and government programs. The women registered their group as a cooperative, applied for the Parish Development Model (PDM), and secured funding. Today, their cooperative thrives, with expanded businesses and diversified income streams.

FID's support included:

• VSLA training and support
• Workshops on cooperative registration
• Guidance on government funding applications
• Business planning and management training

The women's success demonstrates that with the right support, even marginalized groups can achieve remarkable economic empowerment. Their cooperative now contributes significantly to the local economy, inspiring others in the community.