Above: Ndaraw Diop, Director of the microfinance program, teaches business procedures to a class of potential borrowers. Each borrower must demonstrate competence in marketing, computation, and the construction of a financial pro forma related to their specific business before being eligible for a loan.
Stories
Thirty-one year old Oumar Ba began his business career the hard way, selling plastic bags for 2 cents each to shoppers in the open air market. He soon courageously followed his passion for cooking, placed two tables on the sidewalk and began to offer a simple meal to the public. But he wanted to do more!
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Determined to feed her children and take care of her ill husband, 54 year old Arame Thiam sold towels, tablecloths, napkins, and other textile items from a small table placed on a street corner. That table remained Arame’s business for 22 years, until she heard about the Friends of Senegal zero interest microfinance program.
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Aliou Kandé’s income jumped from $77 to $139, and increase of 80%, in the first month after his loan made it possible to purchase a wider range of inventory to sell from his kiosk. Watching Aliou engage his customers with a warm greeting, a great smile, and a drink of cold water on this hot June day, it is easy to imagine how his business will continue to grow.
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Thirty-one year old Ibrahima Coulibaly is a charismatic and energetic young entrepreneur who loves his work and is palpably excited to have the opportunity to be in business! He wants to offer “everything” to his customers,
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Pourmera Diop received a loan of 160 000 CFA, or $245 US, to purchase women’s products to neighbors and friends. These items include lingerie, perfumes, incense, and other alluring items, such as the pearl belts shown in the picture.
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Astou and M. Seck, have converted their in-town property to a true animal farm, as she raises chickens and he raises sheep. It is readily apparent that this dynamic couple is well on the way to creating economic independence and freedom for their family!
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Aliou Ba is a big man with a quick smile, a warm heart and a love of motorcycles. Before receiving a micro loan for his business of repairing motorcycles, Aliou was exclusively dependent on scavenged parts from old “motos” in order to repair others, but he is now delighted to have both new and used parts to work with and to offer his to clients.
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