The “Uvas” (grapes) Trust Bank is from a community in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala and is composed of ten women. They are starting their fourth loan cycle with Friendship Bridge. Their average age is forty and each has an average of three children. The ladies are engaged in various businesses including the sale of new and used clothing, shoes, tortillas, produce and snacks. Some own small retail storefronts.

The Trust Bank enjoys meeting together once each month. They make payments on their loan. They also receive valuable edcational training on various topics like family planning, economics, savings as well as the rights of children. They are able to implement what they learn into their lives which helps them create different patterns in their own lives as well as in their families.

Carmen is a 50-years-old member of “Uvas” who has benefited from her loans. Several years ago, she and her family began to manufacture and sell various types of shoes. Currently, she needs more capital for the business and so she is requesting a loan with Friendship Bridge. She will use the funds to increase her working capital and purchase materials for shoes. In this way, she will be able to meet the needs of her customers instead of stopping production. In addition, Carmen will be able to sell shoes in two nearby markets each week. She is pleased that her business can continue to generate income in order to maintain her household expenses. She tells us that both she and her husband can provide a higher standard of living to their entire family.

The ten micro-entrepreneurs of the “Uvas” Trust Bank are grateful for the loans that they have received through KIVA and Friendship Bridge. They are looking forward to a brighter future not only for themselves and their families but also for their community as well.