Adding to basket
With vision and determination, many Guatemalan women have managed to support their families through small businesses that over the years have become their greatest source of pride.
Such is the case of Sandra (37), who is married and the mother of four children aged 3 to 19.
Two of them are in school, third grade and ninth grade, while the oldest finished fifth grade.
Sandra studied up to sixth grade, but due to pregnancy, she was unable to continue.
Her husband works as a welder, and for the past 15 years, she has been selling secondhand casual clothing in a rented store.
With the support of one of her children, she serves her customers and keeps her business going. With her first Kiva loan, she plans to invest in buying more clothes and opening a new branch.
Her goal is to better stock her stores, expand them, and generate more income for her family's well-being.
Sandra lives in the department/state of Baja Verapaz, where she is the treasurer of the “La Bendición de Salamá” Community Bank along with seven other Spanish-speaking women.
Her colleagues run businesses selling chicken by the pound, French fries, spare parts, and food.
Thanks to the “Microcrédito Plus” program, they receive not only loans but also education that strengthens the sound management of their businesses and encourages entrepreneurship.
The support of Kiva lenders allows Sandra and her group to continue growing and paving the way to a more prosperous future.
In this group: Anita , Sandra Guadalupe, Sandra Elizabeth , Alberta , Fidelia , Ingrid Marisol , Vicenta, Brenda Esmeralda
Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteer Chris Brown. View original language description.
