MicroStart Loan Helps Mother of Eight Launch Business in Egypt

Ahlam Mohammed Abdel Baki is an illiterate mother of eight from Fayoum. Her husband’s income as a farmer was insufficient to satisfy the basic needs of her family, and she constantly struggled to provide for her children.

Ahlam dreamt of starting a small home-based project that would raise her family’s income while staying home to take care of her children. With most of the inhabitants of her village raising dairy cattle, Ahlam recognized a need for a local dairy separator to help produce milk products such as cheese and butter. Her dream, however, seemed unattainable, as Ahlam lacked the capital to purchase the equipment.

A loan officer from a Microstart finance institution heard about Ahlam’s situation and advised her to apply for a loan. After completing her application and a few simple administrative procedures, she obtained a loan of eighty-three dollars (USD) to buy the milk separator and other equipment needed to start her project. In a short period of time, the project proved to be a success and Ahlam achieved profits which dramatically raised the family’s standard of living.

Ahlam’s project had a positive impact both on her family and her community. “It was an excellent choice to work on milk separation,” Ahlam said. “Not only did I increase my family’s income, but I was also able to help my neighbors benefit more from the milk they produce and have consequently helped strengthen my community.”