Financial inclusion in action: How a small loan and big determination are changing Iris’s life
- Working Capital for Community Needs
- Apr 16
- 2 min read
Every morning in downtown San José, Costa Rica, Iris Ponce carefully sets up her fruit and vegetable stand. This 42-year-old entrepreneur, originally from Honduras, says selling produce is part of who she is: “My mom used to sell at the market. I grew up around this… it’s what I love”. That early influence led her to start her own business twelve years ago, a decision that has improved her family’s well-being.
Fifteen years ago, Iris arrived in Costa Rica as a single mother, seeking safety, stability, and a fresh start. With limited resources but strong determination, she began building a new life. Over time, Costa Rica became home. She met her husband, a Nicaraguan national, and together they have continued growing their family. Today, they have two children and are expecting a third.
In 2021, Iris received a $1,300 microloan from MiCrédito, WCCN’s local partner in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. With that support, she expanded her inventory and attracted more customers, boosting her weekly income from $200 to $500.
The loan also opened doors beyond business. For the first time in her life, Iris began saving money and was able to purchase a small plot of land in Honduras—a major step toward her dream of building rental apartments in her home country.
Financial stability has allowed Iris to improve not only her own quality of life but also that of her family. Her 10-year-old son is the first in the family to attend school, and their household now benefits from better nutrition and access to healthcare. Besides, her eldest daughter, 26-year-old Cindy, has followed her example and now manages her own grocery store in Honduras.
“We’re living better now, more comfortably. I always tell my daughter that if you really want something, and you work hard, you can make it happen”.
For Iris the greatest reward is seeing her family thrive. “I am happy. I’ve achieved what I wanted. I feel proud of how far I’ve come. Everything is possible if you commit to it”, she says with a smile.
Help us support more microentrepreneurs like Iris by donating or investing with WCCN.
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