Borrower Spotlight: Marta Sánchez, Food Stand Owner | El Salvador
- Working Capital for Community Needs
- Aug 11
- 2 min read
In Distrito Italia, once one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in El Salvador, Marta has forged a place to call her own. At 60 years old, she supports her two daughters and grandson, providing them with the stability and hope she once struggled to find.
During El Salvador’s civil war (1979–1992), she fled the country out of fear of violence. She moved to Los Angeles and worked as a maid, but despite her better income and safety, her heart stayed in El Salvador, and she dreamed of returning someday to start her own business near family and friends.
Years later, she returned to El Salvador as a single mother, knowing she needed a stable income to care for her baby. With little more than a small kitchen and a lot of determination, she began selling food on the street. She started with pupusas—El Salvador’s beloved staple—and gradually, her business began to grow.
In 2020, a friend encouraged Marta to join a group loan program through ASEI, WCCN’s local partner. She applied for her first loan of $1,000 and used it to buy a refrigerator, upgrade her cooking equipment, and stock up on ingredients. That investment made a big difference: Marta’s sales tripled, and now she earns about $100 a day.
The impact went beyond her earnings and her family's improved situation. For some time, Marta had employed a friend, Karen, who was also a single mother. As her business expanded, Marta was able to hire a second worker, creating an additional opportunity for a woman in her community.
Access to credit boosted Marta’s confidence and independence.
“If I stop working and stay home, I feel sick. Working makes me feel alive.” - Marta Sánchez
By investing in small businesses, we can foster financial independence and community development. Microloans have the power to change lives, helping people achieve their dreams and improve their circumstances.
Comments