Noelia is a proud mother of two, working hard to provide for her family. While she was worried before, struggling just to get by, she is now a thriving entrepreneur thanks to CEPAD’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Program.

“Thanks to CEPAD’s support, I’ve attended four workshops on entrepreneurship, small business administration, and how to keep accounting records. I also received a seed fund of C$4,000 ($112) to start my own business and greatly support my family’s economy.”

Noelia used her seed fund to help her open two small businesses. She works selling clothes which she makes and using the seed fund, was able to purchase a variety of fabrics. She also makes a natural medicine using a plant called cuculmeca, a root which helps with anemia. It’s a plant that can only be found in a humid, forest climate.

“I’m able to sell my product at entrepreneurial fairs. I’ve participated in local, state, and national fairs. At my local and state fair, I won first place, and got second place at the national level.”

With this new income, Noelia no longer has to worry about how she will provide for her family, and can use some of her profits to invest back into her business.

Thank you for partnering with CEPAD to give Noelia this life-changing opportunity. To give more women in vulnerable communities this same chance to get ahead, give here.

Left: Noelia at her sewing machine. Right: Noelia at a local fair offering the natural medicine she makes.