Microfinance organization formed by UA students makes first loan to tornado victim

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- In the fall of 2009, a group of University of Alabama Honors College students began an initiative to grant small loans to low-income borrowers in rural Alabama.

This week, Forza Financial granted its first loan to Katrina Rollins, an Alberta business owner who lost her Curl Shoppe salon in the April 27 tornado.

Rollins, who left her shop just before the tornado struck, is now closer to re-establishing her business thanks to a $3,500 loan from the nonprofit organization.

“After last April, I was too discouraged to find help,” Rollins said.  “Now I’m better, and this loan will help me get back on my feet.”

The rest of the article can be found at : 

http://blog.al.com/tuscaloosa/2012/03/microfinance_organization_form.html