For our first microfinance investments in 2010, we chose the businesses of Josie Camus from the Philippines and Mouhamad from Lebanon. We also invested in a whole group of female entrepreneurs in Bolivia. Let’s start off with introducing the group of 15 businesswomen!
All members of “15 de Diciembre Groupe” are involved in commercial activities in their hometown, for example selling food, drinks and cosmetics or running a hairdressing and laundry service. Nancy, president of the group, requested the loan, so the members can buy more food, modern tools for hairdressing, and summer-season supplies to sell to their customers. All women work mainly for their children: Their biggest hope is that they will able to get a proper education and job one day.
We also made a microfinance bid for Josie: The 47-year mother of three old runs a successful motorcyle business in Ozamiz City, Philippines. To make a living, Josie owns and operates a transportation service that uses “habal-habal” – a motorcycle with an extended seat to carry passengers. Josie has been engaged in her business for over 13 years and earns approximately 23o Euros a month from it. She needs the loan to be able to repair her motocycles and offer a better service.
Another business we invested in is the mobile phone shop of Mouhamad from Tyre, in southern Lebanon. The 20-year old newly-wed has been selling and repairing phones, as well as sells mobile accessories like covers, chargers, earphones and top-up phone cards. His clients are his friends and neighbours from his hometown. He decided to start this business because of his experience in sales, as well the fact that he took computer studies in school. With his loan he would like to purchase more mobile phones and accessories for his shop. He also plans to expanding his business by selling computers.
We wish them all best of luck and hope that our bids help them to successfully develop their business!
Authors bio is coming up shortly.