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The Servigua non-profit microfinance organization in the Department of Quiche (Guatemala) provides small loans ($600-$1000 CAD) to Indigenous entrepreneurs to help them grow their businesses and gradually move out of poverty. The program focuses on helping poor Indigenous people with micro-businesses with an emphasis on providing loans to Indigenous women. Approximately 200 people will be impacted by this program through 2 loan cycles. This type of project falls under the Economic & Community Development area of focus within Rotary.
Rosa’s story (pictured above) is a previous example of a Guatemalan business supported by this project, where a weaving workshop for Indigenous-style dresses was created. These types of loans have helped with expanding the business, purchasing materials, and making repairs to the shop due to hurricane damage in 2020. Rosa currently employs 3 other people in the community who are also her neighbours. She has previously made all payments to her loans on time, and her business continues to grow.