Kiva Loans for Banco D-MIRO S.A.

Jorge Antonio : Ecuador

Thu, 03 May 2012 14:40:02 PDT

$675 of $1,075 raised.

Started raising funds on May 3, 2012

Jorge is from Portoviejo. He works transporting merchandise to vegetable merchants on a three-wheel cart. He used to travel throughout the city selling shaved ice treats but he realized that this wasn’t improving his income so he decided to change it. Jorge is 56 years old and married. He lives in Portoviejo with his wife and four children. He tells us that three of the children are his and the fourth is actually his daughter’s who died and he adopted him. They are 14, 12, 8 and 6 years of age and attend public school. His work schedule begins at 6am and ends at noon and then again from 3pm until 6pm every day. He does not have many difficulties in his work but he does worry a little about his health although he says he’s harder than a rock. He wants the loan mainly to do some improvements to his brick house. His five-year goal is to buy a motorcycle-powered card to give his legs a rest and improve his quality of life that way.

Victoria Esmerita : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 19:30:02 PDT

$475 of $1,475 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Victoria is 49 years old and lives in Guayaquil Paradise. She began this business, as it was a good way to provide her children with the necessities that they require. She sells prepared food. It is going well and she likes the work, thanks to God. She works alone everyday. It is difficult when she can’t be at work. Her goal is to have a bigger business and a stable house. With this loan she will buy home construction supplies such as cement, paint and cement blocks.

Yolanda Eulalia : Ecuador

Thu, 03 May 2012 20:50:02 PDT

$625 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 3, 2012

Yolanda is 54 years old and divorced. She lives in Guayaquil and has three grown children (ages 36, 33, and 19). Twenty years ago, she quit her job as a seamstress at the company where she worked because of a problem with her kidneys. Yolanda is now independent and works every day. Since she has no assistants, she does not have to worry about payroll.

Her loan will be used to acquire fabrics, thread, and zippers so that she can increase her sales. In the immediate future, she would like to equip her workshop.

Maria Norma : Ecuador

Thu, 03 May 2012 20:20:02 PDT

$300 of $1,050 raised.

Started raising funds on May 3, 2012

María is single. She is 35. She was born in Saquisilí, which is in the canton of La Mana. The lively town of Saquisilí offers an exquisite variety of handicrafts and experiences in its markets, which come to life at eight colorful public squares. Each one provides different merchandise and interesting objects from the indigenous communities in the region. On Thursdays there is a fair, where natives congregate from the surrounding areas with their agricultural products and handicrafts. María says she learned when she was eight years old, since selling legumes is a family business. She currently works alone from 7 AM to 7 PM. She wants to use the loan to purchase sacks of onions, potatoes, ears of corn, etc. so that she may increase her sales. Her goal is to purchase a piece of land and build a house so that she may rent it.

Carlos Alberto : Ecuador

Thu, 03 May 2012 21:40:04 PDT

$550 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 3, 2012

42-year-old Carlos is married with 3 children, and was born in Esmeraldas. He currently lives in Guayaquil but misses his hometown, especially the music and delicious cocktails that mesmerize visitors. His wife Nelva is a maid, and also sells products through catalogs. Their children help with her business in her spare time. Carlos started raising and selling chickens at home to generate more income and spend more time with his family. He works every day to feed the birds in their hatchery. His biggest concern is that during the winter, the animals need more care. This is his fifth loan, and he wishes to buy more chickens to expand his business. Carlos' goal is to buy a house in a quieter area, as he fears that their children could be influenced by crime.

Benita Victoria : Ecuador

Fri, 04 May 2012 02:20:02 PDT

$750 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 4, 2012

Benita, 42, lives in Paraíso, Guayaquil. She started her business after taking a sewing course. When she was 20 years old she noticed that in order to be a seamstress she had to have sewing machines so she started buying them little by little. Now she has eight machines and three employees. She works Monday through Saturday and is a single mother with adult children. The difficulty she has is with delinquency. In the future she wants to improve her business and finish her house. She will use the loan to buy fabric and thread.

Tomasa : Ecuador

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:01:42 PDT

$175 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 14, 2012

Tomasa is a 49-year-old woman. She lives in Duran, which is part of Guayaquil. Her business of selling fruit started when she became a widow because she needed to cover her food expenses. Tomasa says that she thanks God that her children are now grown and independent. She works by herself every day between the hours of 8am and 5pm. Her decision to perform this type of work was very successful because she was able to provide her children with an education. With this loan, she plans to buy merchandise, such as apples, pears and grapes, to increase her sales. Her dream is to have a house of her own because she currently rents.

Luis Alberto : Ecuador

Sun, 20 May 2012 13:40:03 PDT

$150 of $850 raised.

Started raising funds on May 20, 2012

Luis is from Quevedo. He is 27 years old, single, and has no children. Right now he is studying at the university because he wants to be a teacher. He learned his business from his parents who motivated him to invest his money in selling fruit. Now he attends to his business from 7 am until 5 pm. He will use the loan to buy products such as watermelons, oranges and an industrial juicer. He hopes to increase his sales to fix up his house a little, as it is made of cane, and also to finish his studies.

Verelisa Maribel : Ecuador

Sun, 20 May 2012 14:30:03 PDT

$100 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 20, 2012

Verelisa (who prefers to be called Maribel) is from Playas. She is 37 years old and sells clothing. She started her business 12 years ago selling door-to-door. Bit by bit she saved up capital and rented a shop near the bay of the city, where she can better display her merchandise. She manages her business alone, although her daughter sometimes helps her out. Her day starts at 8am and ends at 7pm. She tells us that she hasn't had any problems with her business since the location is calm. Her husband makes and sells slippers, and their 5 children attend school. This loan will be used to purchase blouses, pants, and bathing suits. Her goal is to expand her business, keep it stocked, and help her children with their education.

Sonnia Marlene : Ecuador

Sun, 20 May 2012 14:30:04 PDT

$225 of $1,075 raised.

Started raising funds on May 20, 2012

Sonnia is 40 years old. She is from Playas, where she has a unisex beauty salon. She tells us that she has always liked doing hair so when she could she took classes to learn how. Eleven years ago she opened the salon which she manages with her daughter, who is following in her footsteps. She works at the salon only in the afternoon because in the morning she teaches beauty school classes at the city college. The business is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday. Her husband is a master builder and her children attend school. This loan will be used to purchase dyes and nail polish. Her goal is to expand her business and to purchase equipment to do skin exfoliation.

Luis Geovanny : Ecuador

Sun, 20 May 2012 14:40:03 PDT

$150 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 20, 2012

Luis is 57 years old. He has been married to Ercilia for 20 years and they have one son who is 17 years old. Ercilia is a housewife, and in her free time she helps with the business. He opened his store initially because there was no shop in the area to buy groceries. For this reason, and the great customer service he provides, the business does well. He works from 7am to 9pm. His greatest challenge is the winter season, due to the floods which damage merchandise, and delinquency. With this loan he will purchase more products such as rice, sugar, oil, colas, milk, cheese, groceries, water, etc. His dream for the future is to purchase a truck that he can use to expand his business.

Teonila Maria : Ecuador

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:01:49 PDT

$225 of $1,075 raised.

Started raising funds on May 1, 2012

Teonila is 47 years old and lives in a suburban section of Guayaquil. She decided to open a stationery business because she had to take care of her children. In addition, she has a mini-bazaar that is also doing well. With the earnings from this business, she decided to open a stationery shop. Teonila works every day with great effort. In the future, she and her husband want to provide a better life for their daughters. With this loan, Teonila will buy notebooks, pens, and beverages.

Carlos Luis : Ecuador

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:01:51 PDT

$75 of $775 raised.

Started raising funds on May 1, 2012

Carlos, 47, lives in Guasmo, Guayaquil. Since he was very little he’s liked to work for his family’s wellbeing. He has a restaurant where he sells lunches and fast food. He does well in his work. He works together with his wife and he has a son. In the future he’d like to fix up the restaurant. He will use the loan to buy tables and chairs.

Santa Colastica : Ecuador

Tue, 01 May 2012 13:30:04 PDT

$100 of $1,075 raised.

Started raising funds on May 1, 2012

Santa is 65 years old and married. She lives in Guayaquil with her husband and has four grown children. Six years ago, she and her husband started an emergency supplies business. Santa began purchasing drinks, canned goods, and grains and her business has grown. She also sells other supplies and poultry products. Santa works Monday through Sunday from 8 AM to 10 PM. There are some delinquency problems in the area where she lives. Her store has not suffered any major inconveniences since she does not work alone. With this loan Santa wants to purchase bread, snacks, and home supplies. Her future goal is to continue progressing in her business.

Juan Gilberto : Ecuador

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:01:59 PDT

$50 of $1,375 raised.

Started raising funds on May 1, 2012

Juan, 44, lives in Quevedo, Ecuador. He began working in auto mechanics but, because he damaged his spine, he opted to work as a taxi driver. Up to now it is going well for him. The difficulty he faces is crime. He works alone every day. He is married and has two children. In the future he wants to have a house. With the loan he will buy auto supplies.

Norma Elizabeth : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:13 PDT

$275 of $1,075 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Norma, 30, lives in Guayaquil; she’s a single mother and is living with her two children. She started out selling products via catalogues thanks to a cousin’s initiative. She works alone offering her products to her friends and neighbors in Las Orquídeas. She does not have a fixed work schedule. She tells us that the most difficult season for her work is winter because her visits decline due to the rain. Her greatest fear is illness especially in this time because she has no help from family members. She will use the loan to buy perfume, make-up and clothes. Her dream is to buy a house of her own.

Elena : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:10:03 PDT

$175 of $1,375 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Elena, 57 (Duran, Guayaquil). She decided to go into this business because it’s a good way to have money to give her children what’s necessary. The business is selling lunch; she likes it and does well thank God. She works every day with her husband and she has four children. The difficulty she faces is crime. In the future she hopes to have a big business and to have her house in good condition. She will use the loan to buy a freezer.

Petra Astolfa : Ecuador

Thu, 03 May 2012 20:10:01 PDT

$125 of $1,050 raised.

Started raising funds on May 3, 2012

Petra is 49 years old and was born in Quevedo. She is married and has two grown children. Twenty years ago, she moved to Guayaquil in hopes of a better way of life. She started her business out of necessity. Her husband did not have steady work as a tricycle driver, so he did not earn much money. Petra decided to sell colas and water from home since she just had a bladder operation and did not have the strength to leave her house. She works from 7am to 9pm with the help of her husband. Since he drives a tricycle, it is easy to transport her merchandise. Petra does not face any difficulties at the moment, but she is still concerned about her health. Her adult children (ages 19 and 23) work and also help with the household finances.

Petra will use her loan to buy colas and beverages to increase her sales. Her goal for the future is to finish her home renovations, such as remodeling a room and replacing the roof.

Marianita De Jesus : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:40:04 PDT

$100 of $1,275 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Marianita de Jesús, age 48, is married to Kebler, a student. She has one minor child. She is an economist by profession, and she lives in La Libertad in Guayaquil. She started her business by selling informally at a place in La Libertad. Thanks to her daily effort and work they have gotten ahead. Her business has progressed. She now has a formal place to sell at the Santa Elena market. She does not have big problems because her husband helps her. The only difficulty is that Santa Elena is a bit far from Libertad, so she has to travel. Her son is an excellent student, and he goes to the state school. The loan she is requesting is to expand her business by purchasing clothes (for women, men, and children) plastic, and baby items, etc. Her dream is to have various clothing locations in order to improve her quality of life.

Maria Monserrate : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:50:02 PDT

$25 of $1,675 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

María, 43, was born in Manabí. She is separated and the mother of 3 adult, independent children, ages 29, 25 and 19. She lives in Guayaquil since she was 30 years old. María started her business 10 years ago with the help of her children after she decided she wanted to contribute financially to the house. As she is independent, she doesn’t have a start/finish time but she likes this as she has time to devote to her family. Now she does not have many difficulties because her children are grown and she counts on them. She wants this loan to purchase beauty products, creams, perfumes. In the future, she wants to open a store with display cases to showcase her products.

Florcita Judith : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 18:10:02 PDT

$125 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Florcita is 40 years old. She was born in Jipijapa, a precinct of Manabí. She is married to Manuel Loor and has two children ages 5 and 8. Since her husband is a factory worker and lives in Guayaquil she left her native land. 8 years ago they began construction of their house, which they have not been able to complete for lack of economic means. She decided to begin her business out of necessity since she did not have work. At the beginning she sold candy, snacks and sodas, but over the years her business prospered. Today she no longer sells from the living room of her home. She has a shop, purchased a copier and started her bazaar. She tells us that she has a schedule from 6am to 10pm, and that she is tired but it allows her to be with her children who attend school. As her husband is a factory worker she works alone. This worries her since she has become vulnerable to delinquency. The loan will be used to purchase products for the store, like stationary and candies to increase business. Her dream is to increase sales so that her income will allow her to finish constructing her home.

Elsa Maria : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 18:10:02 PDT

$75 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Elsa is 64 years old and is married to Jorge. She was born in Loja but like many from her city she moved in order to find a better quality of life. Currently she lives in La Libertad. She tells us that at the beginning it was a bit difficult to adapt since Loja is a cold city and La Libertad is very warm because it is on the coast. Now, however, she loves the beach and is very happy with the climate. Her husband works as a fisherman and she has a store. When she began her business in 2006 there were no stores in her area. Now many neighbors have imitated her initiative. The competition is hard but she has been able to continue progressing. Since her children are older and independent now, she manages the store but she does not complain because it allows her to rest and care for her health and her husband. With the loan she will increase her sales of cylinders of gas, paper products and foods.

Norma Susana : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 18:20:03 PDT

$25 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Norma was born in Balzar. She is 36 years old. She is married and has three daughters. She has lived for 9 years in Guayaquil and misses the tranquility that she felt living in a little village. Her husband is a welder. Norma began her store with her savings and is now working daily. She does not have any employees but her daughters help her. She feels very satisfied because she can care for her daughters and rest. This is her third loan and she is going to use it to buy rice, sugar, beans, and chicken, and to supply her store. Her future project is to help her daughters finish school and to continue on to university.

Guido Alberto : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 19:40:03 PDT

$125 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Guido is 22 years old and single. He was born in Salinas, but he has lived in La Libertad ever since he was 10 years old. He tells us that his hometown is very beautiful and, since it's a coastal town, it has wide and charming beaches. Salinas is one of the beaches in Guayas and it's very well-known among tourists. Its climate, beaches, inhabitants and gastronomy are a pleasure for both foreigners and locals. Guido first started working as a traveling salesman when he was 17 years old. He very much enjoys talking and being proactive, and for that reason he decided to become independent two years ago. He currently owns a store in the central area of La Libertad where he sells beds, mattresses and living and dining room suites. He reports that he hasn't gotten married or had children yet because he's young and wishes to get ahead so that he can provide them with a secure future. He will use the loan to increase his inventory by purchasing closets and shelves. His next goal is to open another store from his own home in order to increase his profits.

Gilberth Jacinto : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 19:10:03 PDT

$150 of $1,675 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Gilberto is 40 years old and lives in Paraíso, Ecuador. He started out working for companies as a security guard. After he became unemployed, he decided to buy a car and begin providing taxi services. It's been going well so far - the one difficulty he faces is crime. He works by himself every day. He's married and has two children. In the future he aspires to own a house of his own. He will use the loan to purchase tools and tires for his car.

Angela Agustina : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 19:20:04 PDT

$25 of $1,275 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Angela is 55 years old and lives in Fort Guayaquil. She decided to start this business because she needed a way to earn money and support her children with the things that they need. She has a store. She likes this work and it is going well, thanks to God. She works alone everyday. It is difficult when she can’t be at work. Her goal is to have a bigger business and a stable house. With this loan she will buy canned goods, drinks and grains.

Cristhian Richar : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 19:30:03 PDT

$50 of $650 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Cristhian is 35 years old and lives in Quevado, Ecuador. He began his business by renting a friend’s car. He saw that this was a good business so he decided to support himself with this business. As of today, it is going well. He works alone everyday. He is married and has three children. In the future he hopes to have his own house. With this loan he will buy construction materials such a cement, sand and paint.

Solanda Ermita : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 19:40:05 PDT

$75 of $1,050 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Solanda is 53 years old and lives in Guasmo, Guayaquil. She decided to begin this business, as it is a good way to have the money to provide her children with the necessities they require. She sells prepared food. She likes the work and it is going well, thanks to God. She works alone everyday. It is difficult when she can’t be at work. Her goal for the future is to have a bigger business and a stable house. With this loan she will buy supplies for her business such as grains, meats and fruit.

Luz Maria : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 19:50:03 PDT

$125 of $875 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Luz is 52 years old and lives in Guayaquil Island. She started this business, as it was a good way to provide her children with the necessities they require. She sells cosmetic and also soy mild and clothes. Little by little she started this business as it took time to care for her children. She likes the work and the business is going well, thanks to God. She works alone everyday. It is difficult when she can’t be at work. Her dream for the future is to have a bigger business and a stable house. With this loan she will buy merchandise such as clothes, perfumes and creams.

Mariana Mercedes : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 20:00:07 PDT

$75 of $1,050 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Marian is 58 years old and lives in Paradise, Guayaquil. She started this business, as it was a good way to provide her children with the necessities they require. She sells prepared food. She started this business slowly and eventually she was able to start a restaurant. She likes the work and the business is going well, thanks to God. She works each day with an employee and her godchild. It is difficult when she can’t be at work. Her dream for the future is to have a larger business and a home in good repair. With this loan she will buy supplies like fruit, meat and grains.

Yolanda Yenny : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 20:10:01 PDT

$50 of $1,700 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Yolanda is 44 years old and lives in Paradise, Guayaquil. She started this business, as it was a good way to provide her children with the necessities they require. Her business is a bazaar. This is how she can care for her children. She likes the work and the business is going well, thanks to God. She works each day with the assistance of her husband. It is difficult when she can’t be at work. Her dream for the future is to have a larger business and a home in good repair. With this loan she will buy paper goods and notebooks.

Celia Jannet : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 20:10:02 PDT

$225 of $1,700 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Cecilia is 36 years old and lives in Playa (Beach), Guayaquil. She started her business, as it was a good way to provide her children with the necessities they require. She sells beach clothes. She began this business three years ago when her husband abandoned her. Little by little she began this business in order to be independent. Finally she was able to have a booth on the beach boardwalk. . She likes the work and the business is going well, thanks to God. She works every day with the help of her daughters. . Her dream for the future is to have a larger business and a home in good repair. With this loan she will buy a freezer.

Manuel De Jesus : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 20:30:01 PDT

$25 of $1,050 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Manuel is 41 years old and lives in Playas (Guayaquil). He decided to go into this business because it is a good way to have money to be able to give the necessities to his children. His business is selling beach clothing. He began selling ceviche on the beach, then he decided to sell beach clothing on the boardwalk at the beach. He liked it, and it is going well for him, thanks to God. He works alone every day. His wife left him. He has children and wants to give them everything they need. The difficulty that he has is crime. In the future he wants to have a large business and to have his house in good condition. With the loan he will buy clothing to sell.

Marco Antonio : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 20:40:02 PDT

$125 of $1,075 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Marco is 24 years old. He lives in Isla, Guayaquil. He decided to go into this business because it is a good way to have money to be able to give his children the necessities. His business is selling fruit. He likes it, and it is going well for him, thanks to God. He works every day with the help of his wife. He has children and wants to give them everything they need. The difficulty that he has is crime. In the future, he wants to have a bigger business and to have a united family. With the loan he will buy fruit to sell.

Grace Jasmin : Ecuador

Wed, 02 May 2012 20:50:02 PDT

$225 of $1,050 raised.

Started raising funds on May 2, 2012

Grace is 21 years old. She lives in Playas, Guayaquil. She decided to go into this business because it is a good way to have money to be able to give the necessities to her children. Her business is a beauty salon. She began selling cosmetics but then she decided to set up her own beauty salon because she studied to be a stylist. She likes it, and it is going well for her, thanks to God. She works every day. She is a single mother. The difficulty that she has is crime. In the future she wants to have a bigger business and have a united family. With the loan she will buy dyes.

Viviana Paola : Ecuador

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:50:03 PDT

$75 of $1,675 raised.

Started raising funds on May 14, 2012

Viviana is 29 years old, and she lives in Guayaquil. She decided to start a clothes selling activity because this is a good way to earn the money she needs to provide for her children and to pay for their necessities. She has started by selling clothes in her house, and now she works as a street vendor. She likes her job and she thanks God because things are going well. She is single and she works alone every days; crime in the area is the challenge she has to face. In the future she hopes to own a big shop and to keep her family together. The loan she is requesting will be used to buy clothes.

Carmen Lourdes : Ecuador

Wed, 09 May 2012 15:20:05 PDT

$25 of $975 raised.

Started raising funds on May 9, 2012

Carmen is 23 years old and lives in Quevedo, Guayaquil. She decided to get into this business because it is a good way to earn money in order to give her children what they need. She has a restaurant and also sells fast food. She enjoys this work, and it is going well thanks to God. She works every day with the help of her mother in-law; she is married and her husband is a driver. One difficulty that she faces is crime. In the future, she hopes to have a larger business and to have her entire family together. With this loan, she will buy a freezer and drinks.

Mirian Alexandra : Ecuador

Wed, 09 May 2012 15:30:01 PDT

$100 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 9, 2012

Mirian is 37 years old and she lives in Quevedo. She has decided to open a bazaar because this is a good way to earn the money she needs to provide for her children and to pay for their necessities. She has succeeded in opening her shop thanks to her daughter, who gave her the money she needed to start her activity; she was successful and she likes it, and she thanks God because things are going well. She is single and she works alone every day; crime in the area is the challenge she has to face. In the future she hopes to own a big shop and to keep her family together. The loan she is requesting will be used to buy notebooks and stationery.

Joffre Javier : Ecuador

Thu, 03 May 2012 03:40:01 PDT

$150 of $950 raised.

Started raising funds on May 3, 2012

Javier is 20 years old. He lives in Quevedo, Guayaquil. He decided to go into his business because it is a good way to earn money to give his children what they need. His business is selling vegetables. He began as an assistant selling vegetables and later went off on his own. It is going well for him, thank God. He works alone every day and is single. A difficulty he faces is crime. In the future he wants to have a big business and a family. With the loan, he will buy vegetables.

Susy Jacinta : Ecuador

Thu, 03 May 2012 03:40:03 PDT

$75 of $1,675 raised.

Started raising funds on May 3, 2012

Susy is 47 years old. She lives in the neighborhood of Duran in Guayaquil. She started this business with a little bit of capital thanks to loans and grew her business, which is selling food. She has a quiet locale where there isn't a lot of danger. She works every day and is single. In the future, she wants to improve her business. With the loan, she will buy tables and chairs.

Ana Maria : Ecuador

Wed, 09 May 2012 15:30:02 PDT

$150 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 9, 2012

Anita, like she’s affectionately referred to by her neighbors, lives in Portoviejo-Manabí but was born in Charapoto. Charapoto is a district whose inhabitants farm and raise livestock. It’s a small town with very few growth opportunities. When she married Jorge they decided to live in Portoviejo, capital of Manabí. Anita has three children attending public elementary and secondary school; the last one is not yet in her care. She started selling thanks to a girlfriend who told her some extra money would do her good since her seafood selling husband didn’t always do too well. She works alone during the morning showing catalogues or products to her relatives, neighbors and friends. She comments that she likes it because it allows her to care for her children by not having a fixed work schedule. We asked her: “What risks does your business have?” and she commented: “Delivering products to someone who doesn’t pay on time or pay at all.” Anita will use the loan to buy merchandise like creams, perfume, shampoo, etc. Her future dream is to improve her home for a better lifestyle.

Maria Sonnia : Ecuador

Thu, 03 May 2012 11:00:08 PDT

$50 of $1,075 raised.

Started raising funds on May 3, 2012

María is married to Wilson. She’s a high school graduate and is 45 years old. She was born in Manabí and currently has a house in Guayaquil. She indicates that she doesn’t feel strange because lots of her neighbors are from different parts of the country. She hasn’t forgotten her origins, though, since she has relatives in Manabí so when she has time she goes to visit. María has a 15 year old son attending public school. Her husband works in construction so he does not have steady employment which forced her into selling breakfasts. She doesn’t regret it because she did very well and with that was able to open a variety store. She tells us that her investment was on target and now she and her husband run the business. She wants to use the loan to increase stock inventory buying notebooks, pens, rice and snacks. Her next goal is to enlarge her store because she has a large clientele.

Humberto Alino : Ecuador

Thu, 03 May 2012 14:50:03 PDT

$125 of $850 raised.

Started raising funds on May 3, 2012

Humberto, 26, is a father. His daughter was born a year and two months ago and he says she’s the light of his life. He was born in Valencia but lives in Quevedo in a family home. He’s a high-school graduate but has been unable to find employment. Since he has a family, he started a welding shop. He did well but didn’t earn enough so he invested in clothes and footwear. His business isn’t located at home or in a locale. He travels throughout the city or the countryside selling his wares. It is exhausting because he heads out at 6am not returning home until nighttime. He tells us that he misses his family but it’s his work and he does it with them in mind. He hasn’t had any major inconveniences like robberies. Since his wife’s a housewife she accompanies him sometimes. He needs the loan to buy sandals, clothes and supplies for the home. His dream is to have a locale and a vehicle to expand his business.

Silvia Johanna : Ecuador

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:00:10 PDT

$50 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 3, 2012

Silvia, 31, is married to Sergio. They have two boys who are 11 and 12 years old attending public school. They live with her parents in Libertad. Her husband has been working as a security guard earning minimum wage for four years. She tells us that they’ve had financial problems on several occasions and this is why she decided to start to sell prepared food. She did well but as time went by her income dropped due to competition. It was at one of her son’s parties that she noticed that in her neighborhood there was no place selling balloons or piñatas so she decided to go into this business. She tells us that she’s had no problems with robberies since her neighborhood is peaceful. She adds facetiously that since her husband’s a security guard and he’s known maybe that’s why she’s had no inconveniences. She needs the loan basically to increase her business buying surprises, piñatas and a display case. In the future she’d like to have a house of her own and a branch of her business downtown.

Freddy Neptali : Ecuador

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:20:03 PDT

$150 of $875 raised.

Started raising funds on May 3, 2012

Freddy was born in Charapoto, a parish in Manabí. When we met his family we got a little surprise: Freddy has seven children four of them school age. His wife, Lidia, does not work because she has to take care of her children. His business started when he became engaged. He started out planting onions to sell in the market; he’s been in business 25 years and does well. He works Saturdays at the wholesale foodstuffs market and Sundays in Charapoto. The only difficulty he has is the physical space in the Charapoto market because he has to occupy space in the public thoroughfare during the street markets. He will use the loan to buy tomatoes and peppers to increase profits and be able to fix his house and open a stand in the market.

Elizabeth Eufemia : Ecuador

Thu, 03 May 2012 22:10:02 PDT

$50 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 3, 2012

Elizabeth is a single mother with an eight-year-old son. She lives with her parents in Milagros. Elizabeth is 29 years old and a high school graduate. She began working 15 years ago because she always enjoyed the retail trade. Elizabeth started out as a street vendor, but now she has a store that she manages. Now that her son attends school, she is able to help financially by selling breakfast. Her work schedule is from 7am to 7pm, Monday through Saturday. Her son helps her when he is done with his classes and says that he likes to sell.

Elizabeth sells bazaar products, stationery, and clothing in her business. When asked if she has had any difficulties, Elizabeth is not hesitant to respond since the existence of crime in her neighborhood is well known. However, she is not afraid. With this loan, she will be able to increase her inventory. Her long-term goal is to acquire a house of her own.

Maria Pastora : Ecuador

Fri, 04 May 2012 19:50:02 PDT

$100 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 4, 2012

María was born in La Mana in the province of Cotopaxi. She is 39 years old, is married and has 3 children. Her husband is a motorbike chauffeur. He provides transportation and it is going well for him now that in his city this type of vehicle is common for daily transportation. Their children attend public school. One of them is now an adult and is not in their charge. She started her business several years ago selling vegetables in the center of La Mana. She works from 6 am until 7 pm. María tells us that her work is more difficult during school breaks, and in the winter due to illness. She wants the loan to grow her business by buying supplies: sacks of onions, potatoes and corn. She wants to increase her sales to be able to request a bigger loan to fix her house. She wants to make rentable rooms to improve her finances.

Edilma Clemencia : Ecuador

Thu, 03 May 2012 21:00:05 PDT

$75 of $1,050 raised.

Started raising funds on May 3, 2012

Edilma is 33 years old and was born in Manabí. She currently lives in Quevedo with her children. She is not married, but lives with the father of her children, who is a driver. Three of her children go to public school. The fourth is an adult and lives independently. She learned the business from her siblings, who are fruit merchants. This allows her to contribute to the household income. She also sells ice cream and chickens. Her work schedule starts at 5 AM. She works alone but when she needs help to load the fruit she hires another person. So far she has not had any problems with her business, since she is well known. She is going to use the loan to purchase fruit and chicken. In the future she would like to purchase a car for her business, so that she may provide greater financial stability for her children.

Lita Guadalupe : Ecuador

Thu, 03 May 2012 22:50:02 PDT

$200 of $1,075 raised.

Started raising funds on May 3, 2012

Lita lives in Portoviejo with her husband and one of their four children. Her daughter Jaricksa is 16 years old and attends public school; her other children are older. Her husband has been a security guard for 11 years. At the age of 52, Lita works selling products through a catalog. She also sews; twenty years ago her father, who was a tailor, taught her the profession. She is very grateful for this training because it is her way of life. She has the shop in her house, and she works all hours of the day. She points out that her neighborhood is peaceful; crime exists, but as she is well-known, she has not had any problems. With this loan, she will buy perfumes, lotions, makeup, and fabric. She would like another loan to buy an overlock sewing machine in order to improve her business.

Olga Monserrate : Ecuador

Thu, 03 May 2012 21:30:03 PDT

$75 of $1,175 raised.

Started raising funds on May 3, 2012

Olga was born in Santa Ana, and has been living in Portoviejo since she was 5 years old. At 63 years old, she loves to be active. Olga lives with her husband and one of their sons. She tells us that she loves big families, and therefore had 8 children. At present, almost all are married and have families of their own. Olga has a store in her house that sells staples like rice, glue, sugar etc. She also sells coconut cookies that she has been preparing for a long time. Olga manages the store alone while her husband travels around the city selling bags of cookies at a cost of 0.25 ctv, working only in the mornings. In winter, the whole coast is a hit hard by the rains and the mud makes it difficult to travel. With this loan, Olga will increase her inventory by buying rice, sugar, flour, glue etc. In future she would like to reopen her bakery and fix up her home a little.

Antonio : Ecuador

Thu, 03 May 2012 21:30:03 PDT

$25 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 3, 2012

Antonio is 42 years old. He was born in Chimborazo and moved to Guayaquil to improve his economic position, and has been living there for over 20 years. He is married to Micaela, with whom he has 2 children aged 18 and 25. His wife is a housewife, and currently only one of his sons lives with them. Antonio opened his shop many years ago, as his family always learned the trade from an early age. Antonio currently has a store that he manages, and his wife helps out when she can. His biggest concern is the winter season because of floods that damage his products. With this loan, he plans to buy more products like rice, sugar, oil, glue, milk, cheese, food, water etc. His goal is to expand his business and remain in good health.

Libia Maria : Ecuador

Thu, 03 May 2012 21:50:03 PDT

$175 of $1,050 raised.

Started raising funds on May 3, 2012

Libia is a hardworking woman of 64 years. She lives in her own house in Guayaquil; she is divorced and has 2 children. Now that her children are adults (40 and 34 years old) she does not live with them, since they have their own families. She started her store 20 years ago. She chose this business because of the lack of employment in those times and the small amount of education that she had. She runs her business by herself, opening at 6 a.m. and closing at 10 p.m. She likes her business because she feels productive earning her own money. Libia tells us that crime doesn’t bother her too much, but her health does; sometimes she wakes up feeling tired and a little sick. With this loan, she is going to buy rice, oil, oats, sugar, and other items. In the future, she would like to be able to remodel her house in order to create some apartments to rent out.

Marilu Amparito : Ecuador

Fri, 04 May 2012 02:10:02 PDT

$200 of $1,675 raised.

Started raising funds on May 4, 2012

Marilú is 38 years old and she lives in Guasmo in Guayaquil. She decided to work in this business because it is a good way to earn money to provide for her children, since her husband abandoned them. This business involves selling clothes and also cosmetics. She enjoys it and it is going well for her, thank God. She works alone every day. The difficulty that she faces is crime. Her greatest wish for the future is for her business to grow and to get her children ahead in life. She will buy clothes and cosmetics with the loan.

Mirella Del Rocio : Ecuador

Fri, 04 May 2012 02:30:03 PDT

$75 of $650 raised.

Started raising funds on May 4, 2012

Mirella, 40, lives in Quevedo, Ecuador. When she was very young she worked for a clothing store and then decided to become independent and work for herself. Every day she goes out as a street vendor in Guayaquil. She enjoys her job because it gives her enough income to support her family. She has some difficulty with delinquency. In the future she would like to expand her business and give her children everything she can. The loan will be used to buy sheets and clothing.

Lissett Katherine : Ecuador

Wed, 09 May 2012 15:30:02 PDT

$50 of $850 raised.

Started raising funds on May 9, 2012

Lissett is 22 years old. She is a hardworking woman who sells products such as clothes and perfumes. She started working with a few products as she did not have much money; then, little by little she has kept on selling, working form 9 am to 2 pm. She has many ambitions for her shop, and for this reason she has requested a loan to buy more products such as cosmetics, creams and perfumes.

Esthela Mercedes : Ecuador

Sun, 06 May 2012 09:50:13 PDT

$75 of $850 raised.

Started raising funds on May 6, 2012

Esthela is 45 years old. She is a working woman who sells natural products. She traverses the streets of Milagro selling natural products to diverse people. She chose this activity because few people in Milagro sell this type of product. She likes her work and so she wants to continue selling her product. With the money from the loan she wants to buy natural products in order to have more income.

Damaso Edrulfo : Ecuador

Sun, 06 May 2012 11:10:13 PDT

$25 of $1,525 raised.

Started raising funds on May 6, 2012

Damaso, 44, is a hardworking man who has great hopes for his bakery since years ago with effort and dedication he was able to diversify his baked goods and sweets. He currently works from 4pm until 11pm every day making bread and sweets. He sells each piece of bread for $0.07 and sells cakes for $15.00. He has many hopes for the business and this is why he wants to improve sales and to use the loan to buy flour, butter, soft-drinks and other ingredients to make bread.

Martha Olanda : Ecuador

Sun, 06 May 2012 11:20:03 PDT

$25 of $1,475 raised.

Started raising funds on May 6, 2012

Martha, 51, is a hardworking woman who has a food business. She started it in 2008 seeing that there was no similar business in her sector. She currently works based on prior orders and her daughter helps her cook the food. She has many hopes to continue growing in her business making meals on order for lunch. Because of this she needs a loan to buy foodstuffs like fruit, grains and vegetables, etc. to make the meals.

Maria Nancy : Ecuador

Sun, 06 May 2012 13:20:02 PDT

$50 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 6, 2012

57 year old Maria lives in Orquídeas de Guayaquil, an urban place that has a promising future for municipal growth. Maria began selling Yanbal products (cosmetics from a catalog) because a friend took her to a workshop for beginners in selling cosmetics and perfumes. Little by little, she has begun to improve her sales, selling perfumes, creams, cosmetics, etc. She has many aspirations for her sales and so she wants a loan to buy perfumes and cosmetics. Her dream is to be Director of Sales for Yanbal after some years.

Pedro Florentino : Ecuador

Mon, 07 May 2012 10:20:03 PDT

$100 of $1,475 raised.

Started raising funds on May 7, 2012

58-year-old Pedro is a hard-working man who has owned a store for 30 years. Over the years, he has worked together with his wife to make income for their family. He currently works from 6.00am to 9.00pm every day. In his store, he sells a variety of food products such as rice, oil, tuna, canned food, etc. He would like to use this loan to buy stationery products, rice, canned food, drinks, etc.

Areana Marlene : Ecuador

Mon, 07 May 2012 10:40:06 PDT

$50 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 7, 2012

Areana, 29, is a hardworking woman who is a merchant; she sells varied merchandise and stationery supplies. She started her business 15 years ago selling merchandise and liked getting to know people while earning money so she continued selling merchandise. She currently also sells clothes and housewares. To continue with her business she wants to buy hooks and display cases to display her merchandise.

Cesar Orlando : Ecuador

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:20:03 PDT

$150 of $1,075 raised.

Started raising funds on May 10, 2012

Cesar, age 29, is a heavy cargo driver in the city of Playas. He is married to Johana, and he has two school age children. His wife has worked as a domestic employee for eight years. She does that to help with the household’s finances. Ten years ago Cesar started this business activity with his father’s truck. It is now his because he decided to buy it as it is his primary means of working. He works from Mondays through Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. As his work is a service, he does not have any major difficulty. He needs the loan to buy tires for his vehicle. His immediate goal is to improve his vehicle in order to continue working and to provide his children with a better future.

Teofilo Joffre : Ecuador

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:30:02 PDT

$50 of $1,075 raised.

Started raising funds on May 10, 2012

Teofilo, age 33, is married and has three children. He lives in the sector known as El Fortín. Nelly, his wife, is a housewife. His children are 8, 9, and 11 years old, and they attend the public school. He is a pharmacologist by profession, but he has his own business. In 1995 he started to make shampoo that he sells at his house. He started the store a year ago. His work schedule is from six in the morning until eight at night. His wife helps him with the store. In his business he sells basic needs items like rice, sugar, notebooks, pencils, and chemicals, etc. Teofilo tells us that he does not have any major difficulties. However, during the winter the streets get damaged, and that complicates transportation. This is his fifth loan. He will use it to expand his business by purchasing rice, sugar, oil, and notebooks, etc. In the coming years he would like his business to grow more.

Judith Guadalupe : Ecuador

Thu, 10 May 2012 14:30:03 PDT

$50 of $650 raised.

Started raising funds on May 10, 2012

Judith was born in Echendia, but currently lives in Guayaquil with her family. She is 34 years old, and is married to Jhonny, who works as a salesman for the Pulido Costura SA company. She has two children. One is nine and goes to school, and the other is three and stays with her. She opened her stationery store nine years ago, because she became unemployed, and that was what pushed her to get started. She doesn't have a fixed schedule but she is always open Monday through Sunday from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. During the rainy season she doesn't sell as much because the streets get damaged and vehicles can't reach her residence. She is going to use the loan to expand her business by purchasing notebooks, paper, and essential goods (rice, sugar, oil, grains). Her next goal is to expand her home and her business.

Hoover Euclides : Ecuador

Fri, 11 May 2012 02:10:02 PDT

$50 of $1,075 raised.

Started raising funds on May 11, 2012

Hoover is a head of household who was born in the beautiful ,green province of Esmeraldas in Ecuador. He is 40 years old and married to Aida. He currently lives in Guayaquil with his wife and three children. Aida works as a domestic employee and also sells products by catalogue. Their children go to the public school. Hoover tells us that he started his business out of the need to increase his income, since what he was making as an employee was not enough for the family. After several years, business is going quite well because he has clientele. It is a family business because he receives the help of his wife in her free time and that of his children. The difficulties he runs into are the same ones his neighbors have: delinquency and unpaved streets, especially in the wintertime. With the loan he will increase his stock and buy notebooks, books, folders and cardboard. Over the next few years, and with a lot of work, he would like to expand his store and establish it in a better location to increase sales.

Lisstte Gisela : Ecuador

Fri, 11 May 2012 04:20:02 PDT

$100 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 11, 2012

Lissette is a graduate. She is 32 and married to Walther. She lives with her family in Guayaquil in the sector of Suburbio. Her husband has been working for 11 years as auditor for the group KFC. Their children are aged 5, 7 and 11 and study at school. Two years ago she learnt how to sew because she liked it. Together with her husband she decided to turn this into her profession. She carries out this work alone in her home. If she has a lot of work she hires another person to help her. She doesn't have a fixed timetable but she prefers this as she is at home and can look after her children without any problems. Her biggest worry is that either she or her children get sick and that she wouldn't be able to sew, as this helps towards the household finances. She will use this loan to buy sewing materials such as fabrics, threads and a sewing machine. Over the next few years she would like to open a business where she can display the articles she makes.

Mirian Andrea : Ecuador

Fri, 11 May 2012 07:50:02 PDT

$125 of $1,050 raised.

Started raising funds on May 11, 2012

Mirian was born in Valencia in the province of Quevedo. Because she's a single mother, she moved to Buena Fe. She's thirty-five, a high-school graduate, and has one child. She tells us that she learned from when she was very young to be responsible in the role of mother and father. Now her son is fifteen and in high school. Little by little, Mirian's store began to see results. She grew the business with merchandise because there aren't many stores in her area. Her sister lives with her and helps out in the business because Mirian goes out to work as a maid from 8AM to 4PM, and then works in the store until it closes at night. Mirian has not had major problems in her neighborhood because she's well-known, but that's not to say there isn't any crime. Mirian plans to use her loan to buy merchandise, chickens, and to put in some shelves. In the next few years, she would like to open a restaurant, continue with the store, and help her child with college.

Martha Julia : Ecuador

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:30:02 PDT

$125 of $1,375 raised.

Started raising funds on May 11, 2012

Martha is a 37 year old single mother of two children living in Ventanas, Quevedo Canton. Her house is her own and her children attend school. Five years ago she started selling fruit and groceries. She can’t complain because she does very well and thanks to it is able to support her family. Martha tells us that it is a bit tiring though because her day starts at 6am buying fruit because since they are a product with a short shelf life, she has to buy them every day. For now, she does not have any particular difficulty in her surroundings since she’s well-known. She will use the loan to buy fruit and groceries expanding her inventory with rice, sugar, etc. Her next goal she expects to reach is to increase business to provide a better way of life for her children.

Erika Hilda : Ecuador

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:20:03 PDT

$50 of $1,050 raised.

Started raising funds on May 11, 2012

Erika is 30 and lives in Playas, though she was born in Guayaquil. She has two daughters, one of whom is in school. For 9 years, she has lived with them in her own home, which is thatched but at least she doesn't have to pay rent. She has been selling sheets, comforters, and towels door-to-door in her neighborhood for 4 years. Since she has a bachelor's degree in business she says that what she learned has served her well, as she is now selling in other parts of the city. She works from 9 am until 5 pm Monday through Friday. She doesn't face any challenges at the moment, but she would like to have another means of transport so that she would not have to walk so much. The loan will be used to buy merchandise to sell. Her goal is to make improvements to her house as she increases her income.

Johanna Del Rocio : Ecuador

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:10:03 PDT

$75 of $1,250 raised.

Started raising funds on May 11, 2012

Johanna is 30 years old, and is single and lives in Guayaquil with her parents. She started her own business nine years ago, and started in the main markets where she buys clothing and then resells it in the neighborhoods around her home to people she knows. She works on her clothing business on the weekends, since she has another job during the week at a store that owns and operates public telephone booths. These jobs help her generate income to help with expenses and her finances. She does not have difficulties with her jobs, but she has had some health challenges, and those challenges mean that she cannot get out as much to negotiate for good clothing merchandise. This loan will help her to improve her inventory so that she can offer a better variety and higher quality product to her clients. Her dream is to have her own business and to a physical space of her own for the business. She hopes that space will work for both her clothing sales and to offer telephone booth services, since she knows how to operate and manage them.

Elsa Isabel : Ecuador

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:01:42 PDT

$50 of $875 raised.

Started raising funds on May 14, 2012

Elsa is 40 years old and was born in Guayaquil. She is married to Nixon, who has worked as a security guard for six years. Elsa has two "little guys", what she affectionately calls her sons. One is 14 years old and attends high school. The other is two years old and is looked after by Elsa. Her business started three years ago when a friend recommended that she sells Yanbal products. However, she prefers to sell L'Bel products since they tend to be more profitable. Elsa works from 10am to 3pm. She maintains this schedule so that she can be at home when her son returns from school. Her main concern is dealing with robbers since she must carry merchandise with her as she travels from place to place in order to offer her products. With this loan, Elsa will buy merchandise such as makeup, perfumes, crèmes, powders, and other items so that she can increase her sales and continue helping her husband with the finances.

Fatima Amalia : Ecuador

Fri, 11 May 2012 15:50:03 PDT

$50 of $1,050 raised.

Started raising funds on May 11, 2012

Fatima lives in Guayaquil and is 45 years of age. She has two children who attend a state school. Fatima is not married, but she lives with the father of her children. He has a job as a mechanic.

She started out working as an assistant for another saleswoman. This enabled her to learn the business before becoming independent. For the past six years, she has been selling cosmetics to her relatives, friends, and acquaintances. Her work schedule begins at 9am and continues until nightfall. Like any other person, Fatima has difficulties dealing with crime and illnesses.

Her loan will be used to acquire clothing, shoes, and beauty products. In the future, she wants to improve her home by replacing the roof that has deteriorated. She also wants to support her children with their studies.

Orlando David : Ecuador

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:30:01 PDT

$50 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 11, 2012

Orlando is from Quevedo and is 24 years of age. His wife sells cosmetics in her free time and also takes care of their son. Within the the next few months, Orlando says the stork will be paying him a visit since his wife is pregnant. He started his business two years ago when his brother-in-law introduced him to the clothing retail trade, and now his venture has grown. Orlando also knows how to weld, so he produces metal doors along with his uncle. Since he manages his business from home, Orlando does not face any major problems.

The loan he is requesting will be used to buy clothing and a welding machine so that he can increase his sales of doors and windows. In the future, Orlando plans to open his own workshop so that he and his family can get ahead.

Cristina De Las Mercedes : Ecuador

Sat, 12 May 2012 16:50:03 PDT

$125 of $1,075 raised.

Started raising funds on May 12, 2012

Cristina is 37 years old. She was born in Guayaquil and lives with her family. She is married to Washington, who is a tailor. They have three school age daughters who attend public school. Cristina tells us that she has been a seamstress for many years. Currently, she makes vests which she sells to companies. She doesn't do the work alone since she counts on the help of her husband who also knows the business. She doesn't have a fixed schedule because she increases or decreases her production according the orders (she receives). She also tells us that the problem she has right now is the roads which are in disrepair and that makes the delivery of merchandise difficult. Cristina also sells chemical cleaning products which generates extra income. With the loan, she is going to buy chemicals, fabric and thread with the hope of increasing her production in order to purchase a vehicle.

Ubaldina Francisca : Ecuador

Sat, 12 May 2012 18:20:02 PDT

$50 of $1,050 raised.

Started raising funds on May 12, 2012

Ubaldina is 46 years old, she is separated and has 3 adult children. She lives in La Maná. In order to know a little bit about this beautiful city, we will comment that the word La Maná comes from “LANG MANA ATTI,” which means Mine of the Great King, because there exists an underground abundance of gold and other minerals, a theory which is strengthened by the discovery of archaeological objects, especially in the area of Estero Hondo. Accordingly, the colorful term “MANA” means "beautiful, large" and refers to the generosity of the ground as it is suitable for all types of crops. Going back to our interviewee, Ubaldina tells us that previously she worked at a company but stopped working there as it went into liquidation. With that money she began her telephone booths since there were none in the area. It was a big hit because it is a tourist area and it is going very well. She begins at 7:00 in the morning and closes at 9:00 in the evening. She also sells telephone cards, telephone card recharges, snacks, clothing, and many supplies, and that means she has many clients. With the money from the loan she will buy more inventory including sheets to sell, towels and comforters. In the future she hopes to buy a display case and a copier in order to expand her business.

Juana Gricelda : Ecuador

Sat, 12 May 2012 17:40:02 PDT

$75 of $1,025 raised.

Started raising funds on May 12, 2012

Juana is 51 years old and lives in Guayaquil. She is currently separated and her children are all adults. She lives with her children, but the house belongs to her. She has a grocery business, which she started on her own initiative with help from her sister. She likes her business more than she ever imagined, mostly because it allows her to work from home and stay with her children. Juana works from 7 in the morning until 9 in the evening; she works alone, without any help from assistants. Her biggest concern is illness. She will use the loan to purchase supplies, groceries, and Yanbal-brand cosmetics. Juana’s goal for the future is to stay active in her business.

Ruth Estela : Ecuador

Sun, 13 May 2012 02:10:03 PDT

$50 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 13, 2012

Ruth began her business with money given to her as a gift by her husband who works as head of imports at the Boyacá stores. Business has gone so well for her that now she is a wholesaler. She manages the business by herself but has salespeople who earn a commission on sales. The products she sells are clothing and costume jewelry, which are good selling products among her customers. Since her trade has a high demand there is a lot of competition, but she continues to get ahead. She also is inspired by her children who are school-aged. With the loan she plans to buy merchandise to expand her business.

Clara Pilar : Ecuador

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:01:09 PDT

$100 of $1,375 raised.

Started raising funds on May 14, 2012

Clara is 52 years old. She is married to Hugo, who is a master bricklayer. For 22 years they have lived in La Libertad, where they own a house. For as long as she remembers, Clara has worked selling items for the home, a job she will carry on doing as it makes her feel useful and generates an income. She sells from Monday to Saturday, helped by her son when he's not in school. Clara tells us that all her own children are grown up and have families of their own, but she and her husband are currently raising a boy who they adopted, and he has become the driving force of her life. With the loan, she will buy sheets, towels and bedding to sell. Her goal is to carry on working to be able to support her son in his studies.

Karen Jicell : Ecuador

Sun, 13 May 2012 06:50:04 PDT

$50 of $875 raised.

Started raising funds on May 13, 2012

Karen, age 27, is married to José, a master builder. They have two minor children. She has a high school education, and she was born in Colonche. Colonche is a settlement in a small area that works extensively with wood. Carpentry is the trade of a large part of the population. She currently lives in La Libertad, which is in Guayaqul. She started her business because she needed to have additional income. As she is good at sales, she started selling clothes. Thanks to her effort and daily work, they have gotten ahead. Her work schedule is from Monday through Friday mornings, taking advantage of the fact that her children are in school. Her biggest concern as a mother is that her children will get sick, and then she will not be able to sell. She will use the loan to buy shoes, uniforms, and clothes. In the coming years she wishes to build her house and to have her family be secure in order to protect her loved ones.

Martha Elizabeth : Ecuador

Mon, 14 May 2012 18:40:01 PDT

$100 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 14, 2012

Martha, 27, is a young mother who lives in her own house in a suburban area of Guayaquil. She has various businesses that generate income for her household. Martha tells us that a year ago she began to sell products from catalogs and shoes and she also works as a hair stylist in a beauty shop. She sells only Mondays through Sundays, preferably in the mornings, since she works in the beauty shop in the afternoon. Her biggest worry is that when she moves around to sell, she will be robbed of her merchandise or the money that she has collected from her customers. She is a single mother with two children who go to a private school. She doesn’t like the public school although it’s free because it’s very far from her house. She will use the loan to buy makeup, creams, perfumes and shoes. Her goal in the future is to finish building her house and to open a unisex beauty salon so she can spend more time with her children.

Livington Armando : Ecuador

Tue, 15 May 2012 07:30:02 PDT

$25 of $1,575 raised.

Started raising funds on May 15, 2012

Livington is a father who lives in Santa Elena. He has a degree in Education but, at 34 years old, he does not work in his profession because his business is more profitable. He is a cabinet maker who makes living room, dining room and bedroom furniture. He also raises chickens. We ask him how come he also raises chickens and he tells us that he has always liked the business but he used to keep his chickens on a plot of land that he owned in Las Garzas (which is near Libertad). As he didn't have anybody to care for them, he brought them to his house and now it is his wife who spends time caring for them. In his cabinetry business, he has the help of a nephew. They work from Monday to Sunday but do not work fixed hours. Livington tells us very proudly that his wife is very hard-working because she sells clothing and other products through catalogs. Livington has two children who are attending a state school. He will invest his loan in buying chickens to raise and also wood for making furniture. In the future, he would like to build a shed in which to raise his animals so that he can increase his production.

Jazmin Estela : Ecuador

Tue, 15 May 2012 19:20:02 PDT

$25 of $875 raised.

Started raising funds on May 15, 2012

Jazmín started her business of selling catalog products six years ago. She started it as a way of seeing helpful income reflected in her home economy. It is going well, and above all, it gives her time to take care of her children at home and not have to send them to daycare. She works from Monday to Sunday, but without a fixed schedule. Jazmín tells us that the business is profitable but at times, she has been without capital since on certain occasions, she doesn't get paid and she has to obtain it (capital) to cover her debts. Her husband is an auto salesman and is the person who maintains the home, but in this way, she helps him with the expenses. She has 2 children, ages 14 and 3. With the loan, she is going to purchase products to have in stock such as make-up, perfume, and creams. Her next goal, if God permits, is to continue working with Avon in order to improve her financial situation.

Frella Maria : Ecuador

Wed, 16 May 2012 19:20:02 PDT

$0 of $1,075 raised.

Started raising funds on May 16, 2012

Frella is a hardworking mother. She began selling goods on credit and gradually increased her capital, which helped her husband start his business. Her store is located in an area called "Flor de Bastión". She owns her business and it is open Monday through Sunday. At the moment, the inconvenience that causes her worry is the crime that makes the area a bit dangerous. Her husband Segundo (which means "second", but she laughs because he is her first husband) has worked as a gardener for a sports cooperative for 11 years. Her family is quite large since she has five children, all of whom are of school age. They attend a state school.

Frella plans to use her loan to buy provisions, sugar, rice, cleaning products, and grains. In the future, she plans to improve her home and expand her business.

Carmen Magdalena : Ecuador

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:10:03 PDT

$75 of $1,700 raised.

Started raising funds on May 21, 2012

Carmen relays her story from the city of Playas. She is 26 years old and a high school graduate. Carmen has a grocery store that she started in August 2011. She took the initiative to start this business because she likes being independent and there were no other stores in her area. However, she only had a small amount of capital to invest. At the moment, her store has gained acceptance since it is stocked. Carmen works Monday through Saturday from 7am to 11pm with the help of a niece. She says that she has not had to face any problems, but there is crime in her area. Carmen is currently single and has two children (ages 8 and 1).

With this loan, she will buy provisions, oil, and rice. Her dream is to expand her store, to purchase a truck for picking up merchandise for her store, and to provide her children with everything they need.

Jose Francisco : Ecuador

Sat, 19 May 2012 21:50:03 PDT

$0 of $750 raised.

Started raising funds on May 19, 2012

José lives in Paraíso and is 44 years old. He started this business when his children were little because he did not have a job. José borrowed some money and decided to go out selling various items. He works alone Monday through Sunday without a set schedule. His main challenge is dealing with robbers who take his money and his merchandise. José is currently a widower and his children are grown.

With this loan, he will buy merchandise to sell such as clothing, shoes, and caps. In the future, he would like to enjoy a stable business and have a wider variety of merchandise to offer.

Hofe Margarita : Ecuador

Sat, 19 May 2012 18:50:02 PDT

$0 of $650 raised.

Started raising funds on May 19, 2012

Hofe is 47 years old and lives in Guayaquil. She has a grocery store and sells pork. Hofe opened this store because she has a daughter with special needs and this business enables her to care for her. She is doing very well because there are no other stores nearby in her area. Her day is very busy since she starts at 6am and does not finish until 9pm. Her husband Vicente handles the selling of the pork. Hofe has four children, but two of them are already grown. She still looks after a son who attends school and her daughter with special needs.

With this loan, Hofe will be able to buy provisions, a display case, and shelving. Her goal is to make improvements to her home and expand her business so that her finances will be in better shape.

Dolores Moncerrate : Ecuador

Sun, 20 May 2012 12:40:03 PDT

$0 of $650 raised.

Started raising funds on May 20, 2012

Dolores lives in the Trinitaria island, urban site at the south of Guayaquil. She is 45 years old and works doing housework for others, she also sells products by showing catalogs to her clients. Dolores tells us that her day is really busy, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. she does housework and during her free time including weekends she sells products. She doesn't see major difficulties in her job, however winter is a problem because the streets are in bad shape and it makes her job harder. She is single but has two children ages 17 and 15, they are both in school. With the loan she will buy cosmetics to sell. In the future she hopes to improve her income because she wishes to expand her house and help her children go to university.

Lilia Sidelina : Ecuador

Sun, 20 May 2012 13:20:03 PDT

$25 of $1,050 raised.

Started raising funds on May 20, 2012

Lilia is a young, hardworking school-leaver. She currently lives in Duran in her family home. She inherited a grocery store from her mother, who started it when she was very little. As the shop is very established, it has a good customer base. Lilia runs the business alone, starting work at 7am and finishing at 11pm. As she is single and does not have any children, she can work this late without any problems. The only difficulty that arises is transport, which she uses every day to do her shopping. With the loan, Lilia is going to buy rice, sugar, flour, grains and cleaning materials. She hopes that her business prospers so that in the future she can expand it.

Maria Rebeca : Ecuador

Sun, 20 May 2012 13:50:03 PDT

$75 of $1,675 raised.

Started raising funds on May 20, 2012

Maria is a single mother. She lives in Suburbio and is 47 years old. Her story started 8 years ago when she opened her store after quitting her job. Maria tells us that before she worked as a maid in a family home. With many thnaks she indicates that the support to get started she owes to the woman she worked for since she had a store. Although she lives with her son she attends to the store from morning until 10 o'clock at night. She hasn't had major problems with her business, but she has in her personal life. Her father was sick a little while ago and she had to close her business to take care of him. All of her children are on their own but the younest one lives with her and goes to college. Right now her business is prospering and with the loan she will buy more grocery items and chicken. Her goal is to enlarge her house by building a second floor.

Narcisa Del Consuelo : Ecuador

Sun, 20 May 2012 14:20:02 PDT

$25 of $1,050 raised.

Started raising funds on May 20, 2012

Narcisa started her business because she really likes commercial activities. She invested a small amount of capital and little by little she has been increasing it. She is single which is why she runs the business herself. Because she sells convenience store items and meat, she opens from Monday to Sunday from 7 am to 9 pm. She lives in Fortin where she has a house of her own and lives together with her 2 children who go to school. Narcisa tells us that this kind of business is appropriate for her since it allows her to take care of her children. She will use the loan to purchase oil, sugar, rice, meat, vegetables and she hopes sales will increase with this, since she supports her family with this business.

Martha Cecilia : Ecuador

Sun, 20 May 2012 14:20:03 PDT

$50 of $850 raised.

Started raising funds on May 20, 2012

Martha is 35 years old and she has a son. She lives in the suburbs of Guayaquil. She started her business selling assorted items from her home. The business is 1.5 years old and she makes good money. Since her business is in her home, she does her sales there. When she can, she travels through the neighborhood selling products from catalogs. She does not have a fixed schedule, which works well so she can take care of her 7-year-old son when he returns from school. She will use this loan to purchase merchandise such as creams, perfume, and makeup. She hopes to have better income and provide security for her son.