The key facts

  • In the Habib Abdullayev mahalla, Uzsanoatqurilishbank studies entrepreneurs' needs and helps implement business ideas
  • The confectionery shop received about 100 million soums, production grew by 30–40%, 17 people work there, five of them local residents
  • The entrepreneur plans to open branches and continue cooperation with the bank

Mahalla and the bank: how entrepreneurial projects are developed locally

In the Habib Abdullayev mahalla, together with JSCB Uzsanoatqurilishbank, the needs of local entrepreneurs are being studied: the so-called 'mahalla banker' talks with residents to find out what support they need to develop their business. According to Kun.uz, some residents have already received assistance — some for purchasing the necessary equipment, others financial support to start a new type of activity. The entrepreneurs' occupations in the mahalla vary: some continue a family craft, some develop a skill acquired over the years, some expand a business started at home. They all share one common problem — a lack of funds and the necessary equipment to improve their activities.

Example of a confectionery shop: growth of 30–40%

One example is a shop producing sweets and bakery products. Today it makes nine types of products: three kinds of cupcakes, gingerbread, buns and other items. The enterprise employs 17 workers, five of whom are residents of the same mahalla. Entrepreneur Araik Gukasyan said he received about 100 million soums from Uzsanoatqurilishbank and used the funds to purchase the necessary equipment. According to him, production volumes increased by approximately 30–40%. The growth in production also affected the geography of sales: the sweets are supplied to grocery stores and retail outlets in the mahalla.

Local sales and plans for the future

The mahalla banker emphasized that the ability to sell products of a local producer right on the spot is important: delivery costs are reduced, the price of goods remains relatively affordable, and residents are provided with fresh products. The entrepreneur plans to further expand production. 'While developing our current activities, we want to open branches in the future. We plan to expand the business step by step and intend to continue cooperation with the bank,' he said.