FAQ's

Where do we work?
Forum Bangun Aceh (FBA) currently works in Indonesia covering six districts: Banda Aceh, Aceh Besar, Pidie, Aceh Jaya, Bireuen and Aceh Utara. We don’t focus on a specific area - as long as a business meets our requirements.

How do we work?

Formula:

We work on the basis of people’s needs. A small business owner wishing to rebuild or improve his or her business, approaches FBA with a proposal indicating what the business requires. Upon approval of the proposal and budget, FBA uses the Revolving Fund to purchase the required assets for the owner. A repayment schedule and rate of interest is agreed, depending upon the size of the business and loan, and allowing for a two-month grace period. The owner makes the agreed monthly payments to FBA, which go back into the Revolving Fund, so that assets can be disbursed to the next business.

Criteria:

FBA guarantees repayment of loans by vetting applicants along stringent criteria. All loan beneficiaries must be tsunami survivors, individuals affected by the conflict and/or the poor and disenfranchised, and must provide evidence of an existing captive market. There is also an affirmative action approach to extending credit to women. Furthermore, FBA’s assessment takes into account the number of dependents and employees of the business owner, as well as the number of services the business owner will contract from other small service providers.

Local Motivator:

On the grass root level, FBA is supported by representatives of the community called Local Motivators. The Local Motivator – an FBA beneficiary who has successfully rebuilt a business and is prominent in the community, acts as a coach and mentor to other business owners in their village who strive to have that same success. Local Motivators receive training in management, financial and motivational skills from FBA, which they pass on to their protégé businesses to help them stay the course of sustainable success.

How can I donate to the FBA Livelihood and/or Education program?
We welcome donations from anyone - it can be from individuals, organisations or community groups. Once you have an amount / resource you wish to donate to FBA, please email us at info@forumbangunaceh.org. You will get further information about the FBA program via email.

Where can I find the latest list of potential businesses to help?
Please email us at info@forumbangunaceh.org and once we receive an email from you, we will send you the latest list of potential businesses.

Can I donate only one person/ business?
Yes, you can donate one or multiple businesses (any donation is welcome). You will get the criteria and a short profile of the business via email.

How long can I get the profile/report from FBA if I donate a person/ business?
If you donate the same amount mentioned in one business you can get your report within fifteen days to one month. If you donate a smaller amount (less than what the business requires), it will take some time as we have to get other small donations to meet one business need. For example, if one person’s business requires USD 300, and you have donated USD 100, we have to wait until other small donations are made to support the business. Or we can also put your donation along with other donations to help a bigger business.

If I travel to Aceh, can I visit the business I assist?
Yes, we are happy to facilitate a visit.

Do FBA accept volunteers?
Yes, we do. Although, the number of applications out ways the number of positions we have available and unfortunately we can’t offer everyone the chance to participate directly. If you are interested in volunteering with FBA, please fill in the volunteer application form