El Rosario Group

The "multi-store" in Guatemala is one of the best alternatives for business as it satisfies the customers ' needs with good-quality products at a good price. This is the case of Elena (37 years old) who is married to a day laborer and the mother of two children (ages 8 and 12) who are in the seventh and second grades. She studied at the university for five years but does not practice her profession.

Ten years ago, she began her "multi-store" business in a retail space which is in her house. For the quality of her products, based in excellent service, her sales are increasing. To get other income Elena also sews blouses and sells jewelry. She wants to get a variety of products for her retail space and, for this, decided to ask for a Kiva loan with the certainty that, with this capital, she will be able to purchase bolts of fabric, thread, jewelry, and toys.

Nine women form the Friendship Bridge communal bank El Rosario and live in a rural area of Sololá. The majority of these women are embroiderers, others are tailors and have "multi-store" businesses. They speak the Tzutujil language.

The women are grateful to be participants in the Microcrédito Plus program of loans, training, and health. They mention that these trainings about avoiding overindebtedness, budgeting, and caring for their health help them to be more empowered in their businesses and families.

The women of the communal bank El Rosario are grateful to the Kiva lenders for their infinite generosity.

In this group: Lidia Maribel, Rosa, Catarina , Elena Beatriz , Yesenia Leticia , Glendy Manuela, Alba Patricia , Wendy Maria , Irma Isabel

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteer Wendy H. View original language description.