More than 50 local residents and herders interested in running businesses in fields such as handicrafts, bakery, sewing and repairs attended the meeting and received information. The project provides interest-free loans to herders and residents interested in running a small business and includes them in a range of business training. This has real value in enabling local residents to run small businesses independently, increase their household income and, in turn, contribute to the long-term sustainable development of the soum and the local area. The project will be delivered together with the local “Formula for Success” non-governmental organisation and XacBank. In the previous phase of the project, almost 20 herders took part, successfully delivered their small business plans and repaid their loans in full and on time.