Dante Soneja

Thank you for your loan. It has been disbursed to Dante Soneja by Center for Community Transformation Credit Cooperative (CCT) in Philippines. We are excited to watch this business grow. Over the 5 months of this loan, Center for Community Transformation Credit Cooperative (CCT) will be collecting repayments from this entrepreneur and posting progress updates on the Kiva website.

Dante Soneja, a computer shop operator and retail store owner, has been the providing the needs of his family through his business. What makes his shop unique from other computer shops is that he specializes in utilizing his computers for educational usefulness to elementary and high school students who are his primary target market. Hence, instead of installing online games, a favorite among his target market, Dante ensures that students who come to the shop use the computers to make online research and get data for thesis papers. He went as far as to terminate his earlier shop operation when uniform-clad students would spend their waking hours in his shop instead of going to school. He maintained that he would not be one of the causes of children getting addicted to computer games.

Dante is very grateful for the loan he received. With the PHP50,000 loan, he bought new software and printers and upgraded the shop's internet connection so students can do online research faster and more efficient. He also upgraded the desktop computers' monitors with the new slim type LCDs which enables him to cut down on electrical expenses.

Dante prefers to quietly join the weekly meetings of the CCT Credit Cooperative.But he proudly stated that although he takes the backseat in a meeting where all but himself are women, he takes the role of a leader and manager when it comes to his business.

Asked if he has experienced an increase in income because of the upgraded equipments, Dante just chuckled and said that the loan really helped him in many more ways than just with increased income. “Kung wala ang CCT, siguro may business pa rin ako, pero hindi siguro magiging maayos at matagumpay dahil sa CCT hindi lang puhunan ang nakuha ko, kundi mga bagong kaibigan na tumatangkilik sa negosyo ko, suporta ng mga taong nagtuturo sa akin kung paano i-manage ang pera, at higit sa lahat isang Panginoon na nagpapala sa akin.” (Even if I had not joined CCT, I would still have a business but I doubt that it will be as successful and efficient as this one. Not only did I received capital, I also received support, business advise, and patronage from fellow members of the CCT Credit Cooperative. More than that, I have the blessing of God.)