Lourdes shared what life was like before she joined CEPAD’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Program.

“There used to be violence in my home. I put up with shouting and a drunk husband. That’s the environment I raised my daughters in. They finished high school and decided to go work while I stayed at home taking care of the household.

I always liked the idea of having a business, but it wasn’t possible due to a lot of reasons. My kids were little and I had to take care of them, make sure they went to school. My husband worked in the country, and what little he earned we used to purchase food for the family.”

With little opportunity for change, Lourdes was stuck. So when she heard about CEPAD’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Program, she wanted to take a chance and try it out. Since then, Lourdes has not only created a different path for herself with her new business, but has also experienced personal growth.

“The program has empowered me to exercise my rights as a woman in my household, family, and community. I’m learning how to be self-sustainable and support my family’s economy. I’ve learned how to overcome my fears and advance my business, overcoming some of the negative things that society says–I’m a woman, I can’t do it alone, there’s no future for my business, etc.”

Throwing off her fears, Lourdes used the seed fund she got from CEPAD to purchase meat and vegetables to make nacatamales, a traditional Nicaraguan food. Saving some of her profit, Lourdes then invested in a small pig, which she is able to fatten up and later sell to make more income. After some time in the program, Lourdes had the opportunity to get a loan. Lourdes shares about how she invested.

“I got a loan of C5,000 ($140), which I used to start my corner store without having to give up cooking nacatamales. I repaid my loan in monthly cuotas. Praise be to God that I have my corner store, but I also sell nacatamales and tortillas for orders. I’m fattening up some pigs now, which I’ll be able to sell at C10,800 ($300).”

Now that Lourdes has a successful business, she continues to administer her profit and keep track of inventory.

“Every eight days, I travel to the city market to buy merchandise: rice, sugar, oil, soap, coffee, bread, cream, cheese, sodas, etc. Each time I go to purchase, I invest around C10,000 ($275). I also take advantage of the trip to buy pork so I can make nacatamales on the weekends.”

Lourdes sat down and wrote out all the achievements she’s had since joining CEPAD.

• I have a new income.
• I’m able to reinvest in merchandise with the profits I make.
• I’m independent.
• I’ve experienced personal growth.
• I help cover the household expenses.
• I respect my rights.
• There’s more understanding in the family.
• I’ve broken the cycle of violence.
• I can better identify business opportunities to grow.

Lourdes has grown so much thanks to donors like YOU! To help other women achieve the same thing, you can partner with CEPAD here.