A loan helped to buy more acreage and to plant more lemon seedlings.


Catarina's story

Twenty-nine year old Catarina grows lemons in the department/state of Suchitepéquez. She delivers her lemons to various consumers in her community. Her husband has his own lemon business. She also raises chickens that she sells from her home. Catarina has one employee, who is able to help support his own family.

Her goals are to increase the acreage where she has lemon orchards and to sell in more places. She is requesting her first Kiva loan to buy more lemon seedlings to plant.

Catarina only attended school for three years. She has five children who range in age from 2 to 10. Three of them are in kindergarten, first and third grades.

Catarina feels fortunate to participate in the Bridge to Success program of Friendship Bridge, which enables her to plan and budget for her lemon business and methodically expand it. Every week, she receives technical training from an advisor who helps her move forward to achieve the goals she hopes to achieve at the end of her loan cycle.

With her limited education, this program is an excellent opportunity for Catarina to realize her potential. Thank you, Kiva lenders, for your kindness in funding her very first loan!


This loan is special because:

It empowers women to build successful businesses and become leaders in their community.



Loan details


Lenders and lending teams




Loan details