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
AGROSERV
AGROSERV, a cherished local business in Caransebeș, Romania, has grown to become a trusted name in the community, operating grocery stores, a restaurant, and a bread factory in Obreja, along with a robust bread distribution network throughout the region.
"Our journey with VITAS Romania began with a simple conversation, but it quickly evolved into a partnership that has had a good impact on our business. When a representative from VITAS visited us, they took the time to thoroughly understand our needs and provided a detailed overview of how their services had already helped other businesses like ours. The professionalism, clarity, and genuine care they demonstrated made it clear that VITAS was the right financial partner for us," said Mihai Pop, the owner of the AGROSERV businesses.
"The funding we received from VITAS has been a game-changer. It enabled us to undertake significant projects that were crucial to our growth and success. Among these were the modernization of our bakery, which allowed us to expand the facility from 2,691 sq ft to an impressive 8,073 sq ft, and the complete renovation of our restaurant. These investments have not only improved the quality of our services but have also positioned us for continued success in the years to come.
One of the standout aspects of our experience with VITAS was the efficiency of the loan application process. It was quick, required minimal documentation, and was handled with professionalism. For any business owner looking for a reliable financial partner, we cannot recommend VITAS Romania highly enough."
Impact Story
Ana Pătruțescu’s Tailoring Business
In 2012, Ana Pătruțescu made a brave decision. After years of working in a factory, she left her job to follow her dream of owning her own tailoring business. With determination and a passion for her craft, Ana founded PĂTRUȚESCU C-TIN ANA II, a small tailoring business.
She was fortunate to meet the loan officers from VITAS Romania right at the beginning of her business venture. They came at the perfect time, providing her with brochures and information about financing. Without the funds to set up and purchase the necessary equipment, VITAS Romania offered the ideal solution. With their help, she was able to build the house where her tailoring shop operates.
Ana chose VITAS Romania because of the people there. The way they talked to her, listened to her, and tried to solve her problems were decisive factors. This relationship of trust and support was essential for Ana and her business.
The loans obtained from VITAS Romania had a significant impact on the development of her business. She started with a single sewing machine, and now she has six and other necessary tailoring equipment. Since 2014, Ana has taken nine loans, with which she purchased her own space, set it up, and acquired raw materials.
"I wholeheartedly recommend VITAS Romania to other business owners. They are very serious, they listen to you, understand your business, and are there for you when you need them. With their help, I was able to develop my business and realize my dream."
For the future, Ana has plans to expand her business and is confident she will do so with the help of VITAS Romania. Their ongoing collaborative relationship continues to be a cornerstone of support for Ana's dreams and ambitions.
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.”
The information presented is provided by our portfolio partners for general informational purposes only. We have not independently verified for accuracy or completeness. The testimonials presented reflect the personal experiences and opinions of portfolio partners and their investees, and do not guarantee the same results for others.
Community Development
Education
Microfinance
Gender Equity
