Skilled MicroStart Beneficiary Starts Home Business with Loan

As a single mother, Kamar Serry Mahmoud struggled to provide for her six children on her meager income. A loan officer from a MicroStart lending institution heard about Kamar’s tough living conditions and considered her an ideal candidate for a loan. Kamar thought about starting a home-based project that would allow her to take care of her household and work at the same time. Kamar was skilled as a weaver, and knew carpet weaving was a very profitable enterprise in her town.

She applied for a loan and received her first loan of $124 (USD). She used the initial loan to buy a loom and various raw materials. Kamar began seeing profits almost immediately. With her motivation and personal touch, Kamar produces beautiful handmade carpets of various shapes and designs. Her sales conitnue to grow and she is very satisfied with her income. “My life has changed a lot since I started this business,” says Kamar. “The [MicroStart loan] helped me generate regular income with which I can secure a stable life for my children.”

Kamar is now considering expanding her business to include her children who are learning to use the loom. “[Carpet weaving] is a skill that will never let them down,” says Kamar. “But having a skill is not enough, thanks to the program’s support and assistance I was able to secure a living for my kids.”