Mentors International perpetually supports small business owners in third-world countries. They help those who need a little support in the fight to move from poverty to self-reliance by providing microloans. The average microloan amount is just $117. Often this is how little it takes to help these small business owners increase their income, support their families, grow their business, and build their local economies as well. This is a real story of how your donations can change the lives of struggling individuals.
Grecilda Lumbay (Manila, Philippines)
“From poverty to employing 50 individuals.”
Grecilda started a business in order to ensure providing food for her family every night. She bought rice cakes and sold them to add to the family income. She also learned to make and market fried cheese sticks. Her average income grew to $14 per day. This was a decent income, but still not enough to adequately provide for her seven children or give them an education. She continuously sought more capital for her business, but high interest rates overburdened her and barely added to the income.
In 2009, Grecilda learned about Mentors International. Her first microloan of $65 helped her purchase raw materials, and slowly but surely, her business started to grow. Now Grecilda employs 50 additional people and receives $65 per day. She recently received an annual business loan from Mentors International for $2,500. Her oldest child is in college and two others are currently attending high school.
Grecilda is a great example of what your donations can do; not only for families, but for entire communities. Through Mentors International and the contributions of our donors, Grecilda is lifting her family and the 50 individuals she employs out of poverty.
We invite you to make a donation to Mentors International to help fund microloans for struggling small business owners like Grecilda. Visit the Mentors International donation page by clicking here. Your donations are gifts that perpetually give to help strengthen economies, increase jobs, and brighten the futures of many. As loans are repaid, more individuals can benefit.
