First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union (FHCCU) has established a small-business support system at the Cassava River Infant and Primary School, providing that institution with a continued source of revenue.

Utilising their Business in a Box concept, FHCCU seeded a chicken-rearing project at the school in May 2012. To get the business up and running, the credit union provided goods and supplies valued at $104,000 including 200 chickens, water pans, chicken feed, medicine and feeding trays.

income-generating project

The income-generating project has become a 'family business' with the school's principal serving as manager, while 4H club members, watchmen, ancillary workers, and teachers all help to care for the chickens.

The school has received good support from the surrounding community and restaurants located in the town. They have also been able to provide meat for their own canteen, which helps to reduce overall expenditure. Earnings from sales will be used to finance the school's feeding programme.

This inventive donation, not only speaks to FHCCU's Corporate Social Responsibility agenda, but to an aspect of its core business, financing small-business enterprises. In recent years, the credit union has been on a drive to boost entrepreneurship, particularly within the micro- and small-business sector.

"It is never easy starting a new business, particularly in the current economic climate, which is why FHCCU offers more than just financing to prospective entrepreneurs," Sophia Richardson, manager of the Micro and Small Business Loan Unit at FHCCU explained.

"The Business in a Box concept was developed specifically for the Cassava River Primary school's chicken-rearing programme. On a wider basis, however, we provide well-needed financing for all entrepreneurs ready to start or replenish capital in their businesses. We also provide mentorship and advice to guide the business to success," she added.

fully operational

Now that Cassava Primary's business is fully operational, FHCCU has recently completed the second phase of the project and increased its funding of the Business in a Box. The Credit Union provided recently increased support, upping the outlay of chickens to 300.

"We have a success story with Phase 1 of the chicken-rearing project at Cassava River Primary and we were happy to proceed to Phase 2," Richardson said.

"After discussions with the principal we agreed to increase the amount from 200 to 300 chickens. The school has the capacity to manage this amount and the increase will assist greatly with their school-feeding programme."