SUCCESS Group

SUCCES is a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) established in 2024 with the support of CARE. The group brings together 30 members, most of them women, who meet every week to save regularly, support one another and improve access to financial services within their community.

Through weekly contributions to savings and solidarity funds, members build a shared pool of resources that can be used for internal lending. This has enabled members to invest in their businesses, manage household expenses and strengthen their financial resilience. The group's savings performance has been impressive. At the end of its first cycle, members shared around £5,800, and within the first seven months of the current cycle they have already shared just over £4,000.

SUCCES is a well-organised and disciplined group with strong levels of trust among its members. The association follows agreed rules, encourages regular attendance and promotes responsible financial management. Since its formation, no member has left the group, reflecting the strong commitment and cohesion that exists among its members.

The group applied for its first external loan through Advans, Lendwithcare's local partner. Seventeen members plan to use their loan shares to strengthen and expand a variety of businesses, including rice cultivation, livestock rearing, fish trading, retail activities and local services.

Among the borrowers is Karidja, a hairdresser who plans to purchase hair extensions and salon equipment to improve customer service and increase sales. Ibrahim, who operates a phone booth, will use his loan share to increase cash liquidity so that he can serve more customers without interruption. Bintou, who sells yams and aubergines, plans to increase her stock to expand her trading business and boost her income.

Other members will use their loan shares to purchase chicks and poultry feed, inputs for rice production, fish and shoe stock for resale, and working capital for local services. By supporting a diverse range of enterprises, the loan will help members increase their incomes, strengthen their businesses and provide better support for their families.

As these businesses grow, they will also contribute to the wider community by improving access to food products, livestock, local trade and essential services.

Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) empower communities, especially women, to take control of their finances by saving together and lending to one another. For over 30 years, CARE has championed the life-changing impact of VSLAs as a pathway to financial inclusion. As members’ ambitions grow, partnerships built by Lendwithcare can help connect these groups to formal financial institutions—unlocking access to greater investment, stronger businesses, and brighter futures.