Small farms and businesses such as these are essential to Russia's economic and political stability. The Business Center requested that Winrock's volunteers conduct financial analyses of regional entrepreneurs and help these entrepreneurs prepare business plans to present to financial institutions during the investment fair. More than 120 people participated in the investment fair. Koliba provided business planning assistance that will help these entrepreneurs manage their businesses better, as well as helping them to obtain financing. Over the last five years, more than 1,200 Winrock volunteers have worked on 2 to 6 week assignments that address business development, farming, food processing, and marketing.
Volunteers donate their time and expertise.
Koliba volunteered through the Consulting Services to Russian Entrepreneurs Program, which is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development. Winrock International is a private, nonprofit organization that works around the world to increase agricultural productivity and rural employment while protecting the environment. Winrock staff implement projects in 40 countries, including the United States, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union. Winrock's activities are funded by grants, contracts, and contributions from public and private sources.