I’m sometimes asked what kind of businesses entrepreneurs have in poor parts of the world; what kind of businesses can really be helped by a $100.00 loan. The answer is: whatever kind of businesses are needed for each community. It’s cottage industry environment which supports the local community.
For example, on a trip to the Dominican Republic I was blessed to visit several such. Two very excited ladies joyfully brought me into their “stool-making shop”. They had taken five gallon cans, put foam on the top and wrapped them in fabric. Then they sold them in the maketplace. With a “micro-loan” from HOPE International, our Homes for Hope (H4H) partner, they expanded their business. The other ladies in the picture also got loans for their businesses and together they began to provide for their families and build their communities. It just works!
When our H4H friends realize just how small a loan (as low as $50.00!) can help transform a life, they are amazed. A builder who recently agreed to build a home for hope told me that he’d been looking a long time for a way to help alleviate poverty in the world – but wanted something that really worked, that really helped people help themselves. “This is the best thing I’ve seen as far as helping the poor,” he said.
Visit us at www.homesforhope.org and find out how you can help folks like these work their families out of poverty…for good!