Fighting urban poverty

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia's economy experienced a crisis. Despite current economic growth, the gap between rich and poor people is growing.

Worst hit by the economic crisis have been small- and medium-sized towns. Those who have not had to migrate to the big cities to find work often rely on small businesses to make a living.

These small businesses are vital to reducing poverty. But the entrepreneurs who run them face an array of barriers: heavy bureaucracy, lack of start-up capital, and difficulty in securing loans.

How Oxfam is helping

We offer small business owners loans of between $500 and $5,000 from a credit scheme. We also provide support through training, legal aid and business consultations.

Oxfam's other work in Russia

• Working with local municipalities and governments to create a positive environment for small businesses
• Campaigning both locally and internationally, with a coalition of other Russian organisations, for an end to poverty

Oxfam's work in Russia in depth