Portfolio Partner Profile
Global Communities
Global Communities (formerly CHF International) is an international non-profit organization that works closely with communities worldwide to bring sustainable change that improves the lives and livelihoods of some of the most vulnerable communities around the globe. For over 60 years, Global Communities' mission has served as a catalyst for long-lasting positive change in low-income communities around the world, helping them improve their social, economic, and environmental conditions. Global Communities strives to build strong relationships with the communities they serve by engaging them throughout the development process to keep control over their own communities.
Global Communities runs a multitude of programs that encompass financial services, economic development, global health, food security and humanitarian assistance, following their belief that the private and not-for-profit sectors can learn from each other, and that the interests of the people they work with are best served by an integrated approach to business and a “double bottom line.” The organization works across five continents, in over 30 countries and alongside thousands of communities, to create meaningful and measurable change.
As part of Global Communities’ vision to create a more just, prosperous, and equitable world, the Vitas Group (Vitas) was created. The Vitas Group is a commercial holding company created by Global Communities to provide responsible micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) finance to populations that are not sufficiently served by formal financial markets. Vitas was founded on the belief that every client deserves a financial partner that is invested in their future. Over two decades of successful lending, Vitas companies have disbursed billions of dollars to millions of customers with an annual default rate below 2%.
Featured Impact Story
Impact Story
Bogdan Moga’s tailoring business
As a child growing up in the small Romanian city of Alba Iulia, Bogdan Moga dreamed of being his own boss rather than depending on someone else for his livelihood. “I did not want the 15th of the month to mean a payday for me,” he said.
In 2014, Moga took a risk and opened a small, family-run tailoring business. To be truly competitive, he knew that he had to be more efficient than other tailors. Like most new entrepreneurs, Moga needed to make capital investments, but he did not have the financing at the time. He applied to a start-up contest created by Vitas Romania, called the Declaration of Independence Competition.
The competition funds original and innovative start-up ideas, including Moga’s tailoring shop, which uniquely specializes in protective equipment. With the contest award, the equivalent of about $2,300, Moga purchased three cars that doubled the productivity of his workshop. He has also purchased a machine that cuts material more efficiently, a professional ironing station, and a powerful sewing machine that handles the work of 4-5 people.
Moga’s start-up now has 10 permanent clients, providing the necessary income to grow and maintain the business. He aims to double the number of customers and increase profits, as well as making new investments in equipment, hiring another person to help distribute the workload and expanding into other market segments.
“The contest, named Declaration of Independence, gave me above all the support I needed. It helped me to start every workday with a lot of confidence,” Moga said.
Impact Story
Ana’s Sweets
Ana's Sweets is a premium confectionery specializing in artisanal pastries and cakes. The business prides itself on using natural ingredients and providing a gourmet experience to its customers. VITAS Romania provided a loan to Ana, the owner, who talked about the impact of the loan and the future plans for the business.
"We came to collaborate with VITAS Romania after researching various financing options and receiving positive recommendations from other entrepreneurs in our community. We were attracted by the flexibility of the loan conditions and their openness to small and medium-sized businesses.
The loan we obtained had a significant impact on our business. We managed to acquire certain equipment that couldn't be included in our start-up project. The application process was quick and efficient. The VITAS Romania team was a real support, guiding us step by step through all the necessary stages and ensuring that all required documents were in order.
Our future plans include expanding our network of confectioneries and diversifying the products offered to attract an even larger customer base. VITAS Romania will play a crucial role in these plans by providing continuous financing and expert consultancy to ensure we make the best strategic choices."
Impact Story
Supporting Communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Garamba National Park is located in the Haut-Uélé province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), along the border with South Sudan. While most of this region is isolated, recent conservation and security measures have contributed to population growth. To help improve the well-being of those who live around the park, Global Communities oversees activities that aim to increase access to skilled jobs, entrepreneurship opportunities, and finance through training and strategic partnerships.
With funding from the United States Agency for International Development, Global Communities is working in partnership with Adam Smith International and African Parks to implement the Alliance for the Protection of Biodiversity and Development (APBD). The five-year project began in 2022 with the goal to conserve biodiverse ecosystems and improve the well-being and prosperity of the communities that depend on them around the park and in the Haut-Uélé.
Read more about Global Communities’ work here.
Impact Story
Iron Gym
Iron Gym (Muscle Up Fitness) has been in business since 2017. Adrian Hadăr, General Manager of Iron Gym, explains how VITAS services helped to support their company.
"We highly recommend VITAS services to anyone looking to grow their business. With the help of VITAS loans, Iron Gym has invested in arranging the space and purchasing the necessary fitness equipment to provide the best services to our clients.
Recently, we expanded into a new space in Sibiu and continue to grow and diversify our offerings. We offer monthly, annual, and quarterly memberships, cross-training services for adults and children, and functional fitness and bodybuilding.
We are proud to have collaborated with VITAS for 4 years and recommend this institution to anyone looking to invest in the future of their business.”
Impact Story
The Vitas Lab: Building Brighter Futures Through Financial Innovation
Rasha was not eligible for a traditional bank loan due to Lebanon’s rigid qualification criteria. Her business Tele Dukkan, a grocery store in Beirut, Lebanon, was selected to participate in a financing pilot conducted by the Vitas Group’s innovation center, the Vitas Lab. Although the business-to-business Financing Platform is still in the pilot phrase, Rasha has already seen her business grow as she improved her cash flow management. With more income, she is able to continue to support her brother and grandmother. Read more about Rasha and the pilot program here.
Impact Story
How Financial Innovation is Fostering Renewable Energy in Iraq
In July and August, temperatures in Iraq average 95 degrees Fahrenheit and regularly exceed 112 degrees. When power outages occur, air conditioning units are unable to run which significantly increases the threat of heat stress and related illnesses, even indoors. As a solution, the Vitas Group’s innovation center (the Vitas Lab) developed a new loan product that allows local Iraqi business owners to finance KESK solar powered air conditioning units and improve their access to reliable sources of energy. KESK is the first greentech company in Iraq. Read more about Vitas Lab and KESK’s renewable energy program here.
Impact Story
Hosnia and Umm Yazan's Kitchen
Hosnia, a client from Ramallah, is an entrepreneur and chef. She started her business delivering home-cooked meals to customers in her community. The Vitas Palestine loan allowed her to open and scale her own restaurant, Umm Yazan’s Kitchen, which specializes in preparing and catering home-made food. The restaurant provides a stable monthly income for Hosnia and her family. With the income, Hosnia is able to send her children to well-established private schools and receive higher-quality education. Her restaurant also provides employment opportunities for other women in the community.
Impact Story
Dry-cleaning business
Munther Shawar is a father of four children, including one who has special needs. He owns a dry-cleaning business that experienced hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the equipment was unable to keep up with his clients’ needs. Vitas Palestine's loan allowed Munther to purchase new equipment and serve more customers. With the additional income, Munther is able to support his family, including his wife who has since passed due to cancer. He is also a provide the necessary treatments and resources for his child with special needs.
Impact Story
Fragrance store
Atheel owns a women’s luxury product and fragrance store in Al-Hurria, Baghdad. To promote her store and meet her business’s financial needs, Atheel partnered with CHF Vitas Iraq, an institution that focuses on providing financial support to youth and women. She received her first loan from Vitas Iraq, which enabled her to purchase a variety of products and attract more customers. Atheel says, "With CHF Vitas Iraq, you can always achieve your goals and reach your ambitions."
Impact Story
Tailoring business
Rania is a tailor from Nablus who started her business in the Qalandia Refugee Camp. With the loan from Vitas Palestine, Rania was able to buy the necessary machinery for her workshop, which improved her business’s efficiency and productivity. Rania’s tailoring business provides a stable income for the 12 women she employs, allowing them to cover family expenses and empowering them with financial independence.
Impact Story
New equipment
Abdel Moneim Maarouf Mohamed Alioui received a $30,000 loan from Vitas, which allowed him to buy new equipment for his bakery. Al Ikhlas bakery products are distributed to a large number of grocery stores, schools, and other restaurants. This bakery has more than 10 employees.
Photo Credit: Vitas Group
Impact Story
Private school
Farid received a loan of $21,000 from Vitas Palestine for developing his own project, a private school for first to fourth grade. Farid used this money to build classrooms. Having more classrooms has resulted in increasing the number of students in his school. Currently, Al-Dial school has six teachers and a social guide. Al-Diar has implemented an educational system that helps in developing skills in a unique way. The school also accepts children with special needs.
Photo Credit: Vitas Group
Community Development
Education
Microfinance
Gender Equity
