ZWB Facilitates Access to Affordable Loans for Members
Zimbabwe Women’s Bureau (ZWB) is passionate about uplifting members facing challenges of limited access to financial resources to improve small business ventures and personal investments.
Realizing the significance of financial empowerment, ZWB brainstormed ideas to address this issue and decided to partner with Vision Plus Wealth Financial Services a reputable microfinance institution to increase access to loans for their members.
Vision Plus Wealth Financial Services has a proven track record of providing microloans to individuals and small businesses in underprivileged areas.
The ZWB and Vision Plus Wealth Financial Services representatives reached out to Gweru-based members explaining their mission and the potential benefits. A delegation from both organisations including loan officers and executives, visited Gweru members to assess the feasibility of the partnership and ensure the success of this collaboration.
An awareness workshop was organized to educate the community about financial management, creditworthiness, and the responsible use of loans. ZWB members eagerly attended these sessions, learning valuable skills to make informed financial decisions.
During their visit, Vision Plus Wealth Financial Services met with the members, conducting interviews and surveys to understand the financial needs of the community. They were impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of Zimbabwe Women’s Bureau (ZWB) in promoting socio-economic growth.
Simultaneously, ZWB and Vision Plus Wealth Financial Services worked together to streamline the loan application process. Members received personalized guidance from loan officers and were educated on the loan application process.
The loan officers meticulously reviewed six applications, considering the business plans, repayment capacity and potential for positive community impact on the day and 3 people instantly received their loans.
The partnership has gained momentum as members have begun to experience the positive effects of increased access to loans.
The impact was almost immediate: budding entrepreneurs were able to acquire funds to start or expand their businesses, leading to increased income and improved living standards for many families
Local entrepreneurs are able to expand their businesses, purchase necessary equipment, and hire more employees, resulting in a boost to the economy.
Individuals can now invest in their education, renovate their homes and meet unexpected expenses without resorting to exploitative money lenders.