About Alwataniya microfinance institution
Alwataniya Microfinance Institution: Empowering Syrians through Small Loans
Alwataniya Microfinance Institution is a leading provider of microfinance services in Syria. Established in 2006, the company has been helping small business owners and entrepreneurs access affordable loans to start or expand their businesses. With a mission to promote financial inclusion and economic development, Alwataniya Microfinance Institution has become a trusted partner for thousands of Syrians who are looking for ways to improve their livelihoods.
What is microfinance?
Microfinance refers to the provision of financial services such as loans, savings, insurance, and money transfers to low-income individuals or groups who lack access to traditional banking services. The concept originated in Bangladesh in the 1970s when economist Muhammad Yunus founded Grameen Bank, which provided small loans (known as microcredit) to poor women who wanted to start their own businesses. Since then, microfinance has become a global movement that aims to alleviate poverty by empowering people with financial resources and skills.
Why is microfinance important in Syria?
Syria has been facing multiple challenges over the past decade due to political instability, conflict, and economic sanctions. The country's GDP per capita has declined significantly since 2011 from around $2,500 USD per year to less than $700 USD per year in 2021 (according to World Bank data). This means that many Syrians struggle with basic needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. Moreover، unemployment rates have soared، especially among young people، reaching more than 50% accordingto some estimates.
In this context، microfinance can play an essential role in supporting Syrian households and communities by providing them with access not only finance but also training on how best they can use these funds effectively . By offering small loans at reasonable interest rates , Alwataniya Microfinace institution helps entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses , create jobs , generate income and contribute to the local economy.
What are the services offered by Alwataniya Microfinance Institution?
Alwataniya Microfinance Institution offers a range of financial products and services that cater to the needs of its clients. These include:
1. Small loans: Alwataniya Microfinance Institution provides loans ranging from SYP 50,000 to SYP 2,500,000 (approximately $100 to $5,000 USD) for various purposes such as starting a new business, expanding an existing one, purchasing equipment or inventory, or covering working capital needs. The loan terms vary from six months to two years depending on the amount and purpose of the loan.
2. Savings accounts: Alwataniya Microfinance Institution encourages its clients to save money regularly by offering them savings accounts with competitive interest rates. This helps clients build up their financial resilience and prepare for unexpected expenses or emergencies.
3. Insurance: Alwataniya Microfinance Institution partners with insurance companies to offer its clients various types of insurance such as life insurance، health insurance، property insurance، etc . This helps protect their assets and mitigate risks associated with running a business or living in an unstable environment.
4. Financial education: Alwataniya Microfinance Institution believes that financial literacy is essential for its clients' success in managing their businesses and personal finances effectively . Therefore , it provides training sessions on topics such as budgeting , bookkeeping , marketing , customer service , etc .
How does Alwataniya Microfinance Institution operate?
Alwataniya microfinace institution operates through a network of branches located in different parts of Syria . It has more than 20 branches across Syria including Damascus، Aleppo ، Homs ، Lattakia ، Tartous ، Daraa among others . The company employs more than 200 staff members who are trained professionals in finance management and customer service .
To become eligible for a loan from Alwataniya Microfinance Institution, a client must meet certain criteria such as:
1. Being a Syrian citizen or resident with a valid ID card.
2. Having a viable business idea or an existing business that generates income.
3. Having collateral or guarantors to secure the loan (depending on the amount).
4. Passing the creditworthiness assessment and meeting other requirements set by the company.
Once approved, the client receives the loan amount in cash or through their bank account and starts repaying it according to the agreed-upon schedule. Alwataniya Microfinance Institution charges interest rates that are competitive compared to other financial institutions in Syria, ranging from 10% to 20% per annum depending on various factors such as risk level, repayment period, etc.
Why choose Alwataniya Microfinance Institution?
Alwataniya microfinace institution has several advantages over other financial institutions in Syria:
1. Accessibility: With more than 20 branches across Syria، Alwataniya microfinace institution is easily accessible for clients who live in remote areas where traditional banks do not operate .
2. Flexibility: Alwataniya microfinace institution offers customized solutions for each client based on their needs and circumstances . It also provides flexible repayment options that suit clients' cash flow patterns .
3. Affordability: The interest rates charged by Alwataniya microfinace institution are reasonable compared to other lenders in Syria . This makes its loans affordable for small businesses and entrepreneurs who cannot afford high-interest rates .
4. Social impact: By supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs، Alwataniya microfinace institution contributes to job creation، income generation، poverty reduction، and economic development in Syria . It also promotes financial inclusion among marginalized groups such as women , youth , refugees , etc .
Conclusion
Alwataniya Microfinance Institution is a leading provider of microfinance services in Syria that aims to empower small businesses and entrepreneurs with financial resources and skills. By offering small loans, savings accounts, insurance, and financial education, Alwataniya Microfinance Institution helps its clients start or grow their businesses, create jobs, generate income، and contribute to the local economy. With a network of branches across Syria، a team of trained professionals، competitive interest rates، and a social mission، Alwataniya Microfinance Institution is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to access affordable finance in Syria.