Making others dreams come true...little by little

It is true that Zidisha's loans start off small. What can we say, we are a community based in confidence. If you repay your loan on time, your loan size will grow progressiely with each loan. Over the course of the last three days, I have had the opportunity to witness the beginning of financement for three entrepreneur's existing businesses.

Pauline Carvalho has a small hairdressing salon in front of her home close to Sicap Rue 10, Dakar. She is the hardworking mother of five children. She is asking for a loan to expand her already existing salon by adding more cosmetics to create more revenue. Her future plans include expanding her salon to be able to employ other hairdressers in her salon.

 

Ndeye Arame Gueye is the daughter of Pauline. She started her tailor business just a little over a year ago, during April 2013. She works currently for local cell phone company but started her own business in order to gain independence. Even though now her shop is at home, she has big plans not only to have her own boutique one day but she wishes to travel nationally and internationally to model her clothing designs.

 

Cheikh Gueye has had his business in computers for over five years. He sells new and used cell phones as well as repairs computers. Yesterday we met with him in his in-home office to complete his profile and post his loan application. One day, he wishes to have his own space for his business and hopes to create employment for others as well.

I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to meet with so many different entrepreneurs . It is truly inspirational to see their determination and their ambition to make their dreams into a reality. I only hope I have the chance one day to return and see how their businesses have progressed.