Elena Shaveddinova
After she could not find a job in Liski, Russia, elena shaveddinova borrowed money from a pawnbroker to open a small stall in Liski’s central market. But exorbitant interest rates on her loan left Elena unable to make ends meet. When she heard about FORA — Opportunity International’s partner program in the region — she and two friends applied, each guaranteeing each other’s loans. Sales increased within two weeks, allowing Elena to eventually open a second stall at the market.
Elena and her two friends have expanded their businesses with subsequent loans, allowing each to successfully make the leap from unemployed to entrepreneur.
