Market research findings to shape AgroInvest services in Serbia

Date: 2011-03-03

During 16-19 February 2011, AgroInvest conducted market research in the two Serbian municipalities of Valjevo and Cacak to gauge clients’ financial needs and their attitudes towards the financial institutions that are available in their geographic areas. Thirty-one focus groups consisting of current clients, former clients and non-clients who live in the rural areas of the Cacak and Valjevo municipalities participated in the research. Key findings are currently being reviewed and will help AgroInvest shape its services to better meet clients’ needs and to attract new clients.

AgroInvest was scored by Planet Rating with grade 4 (of 5) which confirms our clear commitment to social goals, reasonable management of social performance and social responsibility risks and proves that AgroInvest is an institution likely to achieve a positive social impact.

The Microfinance Centre awarded AgroInvest for original and innovative village association lending model, practical integration of microfinance and non-microfinance activities, and its commitment to social performance management.

Flower grower blossoms with help of AgroInvest

Miroslava Djokic, a hard-working single mother from the village of Chapljinac near Nis in southern Serbia runs a successful flower-growing business, thanks to assistance provided by AgroInvest. Three loans later, Miroslava’s business operates with four greenhouses, she is building a new home for her family and her son is learning to use computers.