Norma

The edsi miscrocredit program helped Norma start a business making keys.  As a busy mother of four young children, Norma knew she wanted to start a business but lack of capital and some basic skills stood in her way. Norma said that she was often stressed about paying debts in time.  Thanks to the edsi program she has learned important business concepts and strategies, like how to balance her books and stay profitable.  Having the edsi program and team behind her makes Norma feel supported and accountable.

Lucy

Over 50 years old and raising a daughter with schizophrenia, Lucy started a business with the help of edsi. She had no prior experience but knew that starting a business would help improve her life and afford her more ease.  Lucy says in the beginning she was worried about not being able to repay the loan, but with the encouragement of her group she was able to make her payments and overcome her worries. Over time, the business generated increased revenue and now Lucy is able to help purchase medication for her daughter.  Lucy has indicated that starting a business has given her emotional strength, encouragement and a sense of pride.

Roció

33 year old Roció was a stay-at-home mom, raising her three children while her husband worked. Unfortunately her husband’s income was not enough to support the family of 5, and as a result, she decided to start a business to contribute to the family income. It’s a good thing she did!  A few months later, her husband was arrested.  While he was unable to work, the loan she received from edsi enabled Roció to start her own market-stand so she could provide for her family while her husband was in prison.

Dionisia

Dionisia is raising a little girl with her husband and has started a business selling eggs and hens. The first month of the business was difficult for Dionisia as they started without a client base.  However, over the months business progressively improved.  A few months after starting her business Dionisia became sick and could not work. Fortunately her husband stepped in and was able to continue operation of the business which contributed to the purchase of the medications she needed to recover. She is back in business and has not once missed a payment; even when she was sick.