Widowed Mother Weaves Her Way to a Better Life with MicroStart Support

Fatma Aly Rashed faced severe financial problems following the death of her husband. Illiterate and unaccustomed to being the primary breadwinner, Fatma searched for a way to provide for her three children. As a child Fatma learned to weave pots and baskets, and felt she could use this skill to generate income. Although she had the necessary talents and a sound plan, she did not have the funds to buy the raw materials.

Through her friends and neighbors, Fatma heard about the local MicroStart lending institution and the services it provides to aspiring entrepreneurs. Although she was initially hesitant, Fatma completed her MicroStart loan applicationt. After analyzing her situation and studying her business plan, the office approved a $83 (USD) loan.

With the first loan, Fatma was able to buy all the raw materials she needed and hire several employees. Fatma taught a number of young girls the basics of weaving, passing on a valuable skill while providing an income. A skillful and hard worker, Fatma quickly developed a reputation for producing high quality products. “The program helped me start my business, and it has made it possible for to buy large quantities of material at a very low cost,” Fatma said. “This has helped me make very competitive products and in a short time realize good profits.”

The success of Fatma’s business has remarkably improved her family’s lifestyle. Fatma no longer has to worry about providing for her children, and now has enough steady income to finance their education. She has nearly completed repayment of her first loan and plans to apply for a second loan to increase the size of her business and further improve her family’s lifestyle.