Iveth, a resilient small-business owner from central Nicaragua who has built her means of living from the ground up. Iveth runs a modest roadside snack stand, strategically located near a busy bus terminal and marketplace. This spot, full of commuters and locals alike, offers her the ideal location to sell homemade drinks, baked goods, and snacks to onlookers.

Iveth’s entrepreneurial journey began out of necessity. About five years ago, she found herself unemployed and struggling to support her family, which includes her two young children and her husband, who requires dialysis treatments multiple times a week. Faced with these challenges, Iveth discovered an opportunity through ASODENIC, a local microfinance organization that provides loans and financial training to small entrepreneurs. With ASODENIC’s support, she received a microloan to start her snack stand with just a few small buckets of supplies.

Today, Iveth’s business has grown significantly. She’s expanded her offerings, now selling various items, including cold drinks, pastries, and snacks. Her business not only supports her family but has also given her the means to make important investments, like buying a bike to save on transport costs. Despite the added expenses of her husband’s medical treatments and her children’s education, Iveth has managed to stay financially responsible, meeting all her responsibilities without missing a payment.

Iveth credits much of her success to the training and guidance she received from ASODENIC. Through their workshops, she learned how to budget effectively, manage her earnings, and plan for her business’s future growth. Her dedication to her business has transformed her family’s life, allowing her to renovate their home from a humble zinc structure to a sturdy concrete house.

When asked about her future, Iveth dreams of expanding her snack stand into a full fast-food venture, offering quick bites like pupusas and full meals. She sees this as a natural fit for her busy location and believes it will help her serve even more customers. With the support of ASODENIC and her determination, Iveth is confident that she will continue to grow her business, setting a strong example of hard work for her children.

Iveth’s story is a testament to the power of opportunity and the impact that a small investment, combined with training and mentorship, can have on someone’s life. She hopes that her journey will inspire others to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams, just as she has.