Beibitkul Tohtametova, young widow and mother of three children, became a client of group lending of ACF in 2008. 
She lived in small town Esik, located 45 kilometers south-east from Almaty towards China border. She just accustomed herself to the life without her beloved husband, who died in 2006 in car accident leaving Beibitkul pregnant by third baby and debt he made for setting up a small trade business to sell women cloth at open market of Esik.  The house of the family was pledged for the business loan from local bank.  Beibitkul put all her efforts and paid the debt.  In spite of successful end of borrowing story, she remembered fear of losing the house and feeling of isolation during difficult time.  She was very much pleased with easier terms of group lending, which does not require collateral and gives women the sense of security grounded by group solidarity principle and in someway collectivism.
 
At the time of group loan application her small trade business of total assets of approximately $3,500 was at the start of decline due to insufficient inventory level.  Beibitkul had been using all business earnings for making bank payments and for living expenditures.  In addition she was forced to buy a cheap car for the family needs.  Her youngest son’s illness was accompanied by spasms which required every day massage at the hospital which was located far from her house. In addition one day she was close to losing him: the ambulance came very late.  She thought she would bring the son to the hospital by herself in case she had a car.  Busy business women used all her savings and withdraw half of her inventory from the business to purchase used car for the price of $ 5,000.  In order to bring her business back to the previous level Beibitkul decided to take a group loan.  She approached her business colleagues and friends to form the group. “The group was reliable as I knew all members very much, recalls Beibitkul.  We went for several subsequent cycles and found them to be useful for building up business step by step.” Because her inventory grew up substantially, just recently Beibitkul decided to open second outlet at the open market.  Her life is stable today and she looks with confidence to the future.     

Pleased and prosperous clients are the best award for ACF!

In July 2008 five women from open market Vira submitted group loan request to ACF sub-office in Esik town.  This group became the first clients of Esik sub-office.  
After Loan Officer Mahset analyzed their repayment capacities and they firmed group solidarity principle, the group received first loan in the amount of $500 per one group member.   In July 2009 the group was on the 4th cycle already and received $2,000 per borrower to expand the business.   
While they were waiting for loan disbursement we decided to interview them on changes in their lives and families that happened during their one year relationship with ACF.  They were happy to respond and shared with us the following:
 
Raushan, Group Leader:  Before I came to ACF I traded shoes in own container at Vira market.  In one year of my work with ACF I managed to open second container at the same market.  My husband helps me there.  My sales turnover increased three times.  Profit from expanded business increased and I was able to build up new 5-room house in the center of Esik.  We are happy to see our business becoming more stable!  Thank to our new partner ACF we are living in new house.  
Maryash – Group Treasurer: When I took the first loan I was selling clothes at open market Vira.  I had about $1,300 in inventories with limited assortment.  As of today my working capital increased more than two times and my assortment expanded.  Besides I was able to help my nephew and paid one year university tuition fee for her.  Relationship among group members is strong; we help each other with business issues.  I am very thankful to our group and ACF for all support they provided to me
Ainagul: When I started working with ACF I had good shoe trade business; my working capital was about $1,500. My business became stronger after getting the loans.  In one year my sales as well as inventories increased two times.  Income from business allowed me to pay for wedding parties of my two daughters.   My group partners helped with business advice, we became good friends with them.
Beibytgul: I can not brag about big increase in the business, I sell second hand clothes.  Loans from ACF helped me to keep inventories at the level which provided good income for my family.    
My income from the business allowed me to buy Honda car and I am driving now!  I was dreaming about car for a long time.  I made it happen.  Also, I renovated my house and bought new furniture.
Raiya: I am in sewing of national costumes business for almost 12 years.  I sell them at the open market by myself.   When I started working with ACF, I had inventories for $2,000.  In one year I was able to increase production two times.   My costumes are in a good demand.  I extended my assortment by adding national jewelry.  Near my old house I built up new 4-room house which I am planning to rent out.
 
Pleased and prosperous clients are the best award for ACF!

On August 25, 2011 ACF and USAID signed an agreement establishing a four-year, $1 million credit guarantee facility that will support ACF's lending to customers in Kazakhstan to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. USAID's support will allow the ACF to raise liquidity to support this new lending activity. ACF and USAID partnership will provide for reduction in residential energy consumption, improved comfort levels and values of borrowers' homes, and emulation by other financial institutions to expand into the promising energy-efficiency finance market in Kazakhstan.