“I’ve always wanted to build my own business with the idea to help my family with more income, but it’s a lot of start-up costs, and I haven’t had the money to begin.”

There are thousands of women like Maria across Nicaragua, with dreams of owning their own businesses and supporting their families, but often lack the start-up funds and knowledge to succeed. In 2021, CEPAD started a women’s entrepreneurship program to help women across Nicaragua understand the basics of owning a business and provide a small loan to help them get started.

“In the Women’s Economic Empowerment Program, I’ve felt like I can identify with it since the beginning. During the first workshop, I felt very happy with what we were learning (basic entrepreneurship principles). I’m able to imagine working with my own funds, and little by little, I’ve been working through the training materials. It has been a huge help for me to have this knowledge.”

Maria’s mom taught her how to bake bread as a child, and because it was such a formative experience and she enjoyed it, Maria knew she wanted to someday have her own bakery. After attending the first few workshops with CEPAD, Maria wrote a business plan to have it reviewed by CEPAD regional staff. 

Once her business plan was approved, Maria received a loan of $110, which she will pay back over time with a very small interest rate. 

“My business is named Panadería doña María (Miss María’s Bakery). I bake bread each Friday, four times a month. I make plain bread and stuffed bread, which my clients really enjoy. I’m able to earn 300 Cordobas (USD$8.50) each day that I bake, which I’m able to use for my family.”

Maria has also been able to re-invest some of her earnings back into her business.

“I’ve also been able to purchase new tools for my kitchen – 9 cooking sheets and one large mixing bowl – all from my own earnings. My husband is proud that I’m able to help support the family, and he encourages me a lot to continue. He helps chop the firewood during the week so I can bake on Fridays.”

“My community is starting to recognize my business, and I’m so thankful because I also feel happy that I can serve my community.”

“My family and I are thankful for CEPAD’s work and thankful that I can start my dream. Thanks to the seed fund I received, I can bake bread and sell it in my community.”

We’re so excited to see Maria’s bakery grow! As Maria repays her loan, the returned funds will be loaned out to another women to start her small business. These revolving loans ensure that other women also get the chance to pursue their dreams, and to create generational change in Nicaragua.