Mariama Jalloh

Thank you for your loan. It has been disbursed to Mariama Jalloh by CCF - Salone Microfinance Trust in Sierra Leone. We are excited to watch this business grow. Over the next 10 months, CCF - Salone Microfinance Trust will be collecting repayments from this entrepreneur and posting progress updates on the Kiva website.

We recently visited Mariama in the village of Dongolia in the Koinadugu district of Sierra Leone. Mariama was eager to talk to us about her business enterprises and the impact the loan has had on her life. If you recall from her original loan posting, Mariama dreamed of increasing stock of cow’s milk to sell in the marketplace. Sure enough, Alusine has been able to accomplish his dream. Specifically, she has been able to increase her cow’s milk stock and reap greater profits. She’s also expanded into chili pepper and banana sales. It became clear to me very quickly that Mariama is a relentless entrepreneur who will work all day to provide for her family. She was a pleasure to meet.

From the information received during my interview with Alusine, I conducted a fundamental analysis of his business called a “SWOT” analysis.

“SWOT” Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats)

Strengths

Red hot chili peppers – The profits from the chili peppers are very good this season. Mariama buys a bag of chili peppers for 120,000 Leones and can sell them for 150,000 Leones. That’s a profit of $10 USD!

Rice – Mariama pointed out that her rice sales are also very profitable these days.

Weaknesses

Mariama could not think of any real challenges or weaknesses in her business. She is a very optimistic entrepreneur!

Opportunities

Further expansion – Mariama has the capacity to continue to expand her lines of business. She certainly has the right attitude and plenty of energy. According to her SMT Portfolio Officer, Mariama is one of his best clients and we hope to continue to help her reach her dreams.

Threats

Rain season – During the rain season, her chili peppers can spoil easier during transport if they’re exposed to outdoor elements. Spoiled chili peppers are worthless in the market.

Finally, Mariama wanted to thank you all very much from the bottom of her heart for your wonderful generosity. You have given her great happiness with your contribution to her loan. She led the construction of her family home with profits from the businesses that you help support.

To view SMT loans currently being funded on Kiva, please visit:

http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&partner_id=57&status=fundRaising&sortBy=New+to+Old

To view all SMT loans currently being paid back, please visit:

http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&partner_id=57&status=All&sortBy=New+to+Old

Regards,

Adam Grenier

Kiva Fellow, Fall 2008

Sierra Leone