Credit and other enterprise development services can play a significant role in providing the basic necessities of life to the poor by strengthening their livelihood options. In the process the poor households get empowered economically, socially and politically. Since its inception, Vikash has taken up different activities in the arena of micro-finance and micro-enterprises.

During the early '90s, the organization extended small loan assistance to people whose lives had been affected by leprosy. Through this programme, at least 40 individuals were rehabilitated in their own community and started a new life. During the same period, Vikash, under the dynamic leadership of Sri Ashok Nanda, took up several initiatives for development of enterprises like chalk making, detergent cake manufacturing, assembling of electronic gadgets, training in carpet weaving, and promotion of advance looms.

In 1995, after the severe flood that occurred in the Mahanadi deltaic system, Vikash, with assistance of Andherie Hilfe (a German charity) took a bold step to rehabilitate the farmers. The idea was to provide credit assistance to the needy farmers who had lost their crops during the Kharif season.  This enabled them to grow a second crop. Vikash took the initiative further to promote Women Self Help Groups in a larger area.  Vikash supported the idea of developing a Micro Finance Institution as a federation of Self Help Groups, hence the formation of Krushak Nidhi (which means farmer's asset).  Krushak Nidhi  has gone a long way and has evolved as the largest Micro Finance Institution in Orissa. The institution extends savings, credit and other financial services to vulnerable groups and primarily women through self-help. It also extends its services to people with disabilities and the farmers.

Vikash is taking up many innovative initiatives for developing micro-enterprise schemes including research, training, consultancy, exposure visits and field guidance.

In the year 2000, the organization consolidated its experience and expertise in micro-finance and the micro-enterprise sector to make available its expertise through an independent organization called Micro Finance Resource Center (MFRC).  Its services are available to NGOs, Government departments and international agencies. It is worthwhile to note that MFRC is a unique organization which provides expertise based on proven experience in the field. 

Vikash believes in facilitating the development of small enterprises and their networks in order to create a proper legal facility to operate. Vikash has taken the initiative for the introduction of a New Co-operative Act in the state of Orissa.  The proposed Act liberates co-operatives from the control and encroachment of the Government.  A campaign committee for co-operative reforms with senior co-operators as members was formed to spear-head the campaign for reform in co-operatives.  A New Co-operative Act has been drafted and is waiting for approval in the legislative assembly.  Besides, Vikash is making efforts to promote new generation co-operatives.   In future, it plans to promote a network of small co-operatives which will be marketing services and products under a common brand name.