Journal entry for Andrés Vinicio Romero Romero

A look into Andres\' business and community

Andrés, his wife, and young daughter invited me into their home with open arms. He was in between a shower, dinner, and an evening event but asked me to sit down on the couch and get comfortable. He was eager to understand more about Kiva and I was eager to know everything about his business and perspective on microfinance.

Andrés and his brother provide entertainment for a variety of events, from bar scenes to elegant quinceaños (a traditional 15th birthday party for girls in Costa Rica that can be as fancy and well-planned as a wedding), and they’re booked between 20 and 30 events per month! They live in a small mountainous region of Costa Rica but are requested all over the country, including the capital city, San Jose, and the previous capital city, Cartago.

Times haven’t always been so great, though. Andrés and his brother started in entertainment ten years ago, when they were on the verge of leaving Costa Rica hoping for more opportunities in the United States. After an inspiring church trip to Mexico where they learned the traditional Mexican serenade they decided to give Costa Rica one more year. For ten years they've worked hard to make a living out of their musical and entrepreneurial skills. It was only recently that they started using microfinance to take their business to the next level.

Andrés explained the importance of the Community Credit Enterprise (ECC) model adopted by EDESA, the microfinance institution that distributed the loan for Andrés. Rather than requiring collateral such as a car title which he didn’t have until recently, the ECC secures the loan with communal knowledge of the borrower and their business. Andrés said that another difficulty in applying for a loan from a more formal bank is something as simple as the hours of operation. A traditional bank is open during business hours, during the hours which a potential loan recipient is working for bare necessities. The ECC responds to the needs of the clients and is open from 3:30 to 8:30 in the evening. Furthermore Andrés was impressed with how little time it took between the interview with the loan officer of the ECC to the moment he had the cash in hand. He understands that the formal banking sector requires so many details and has so many hold-ups as to prove inefficient to the point of being ineffective. For entrepreneurs like Andrés, microfinance works.

With his loan, Andrés bought impressive sound and lights equipment to accompany his serenades, DJ and karaoke parties, and concerts. He said without proper equipment his talent could only get him so far. For Andrés the loan means the difference between working in a smoky bar and an elegant quinceaños where his music, lights, and entertainment are greatly appreciated. He is tremendously grateful for the loan and for the access he has to microfinance services provided by the ECC in his community.

Below is the sign that Andrés prints and uses to advertise his public events.

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