The story of Doña Reina Ortiz has appeared on this blog before. She continues to work hard to sell her product, but sales at the super market chains have slowed, as has her loan repayment. Ms. Ortiz is becoming even more dependent or her less profitable sales to smaller clients like bookstores and street venders.
Since early May, the rainy season has added another challenge to completing her dream. Like most people in her neighborhood, a retaining wall prevents her home from falling on her neighbors' home next door. The heavy rains during this month were enought to damage part of the old retaining wall and put her home's foundation close to the edge.
Doña Reina was forced to invest all her working capital into the construction of a new retaining wall. She now must struggle to build up her business again.
The use of "business funds" for personal expenses is common in microfinance businesses. Since many businesses operate out of the owners home, as is the case in Doña Reina's case, cash is not often designated to be used for "business" or "personal" expenses.
Alfredo and Rafael, two Honduran businessmen, are mentoring Ms. Ortiz and looking for ways to help her increase sales. With the Lord's help and the encouragement from her mentors, Doña Reina will soon be talking about God's faithfulness back when, the walls were coming down.
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Stories of Christian business development in Honduras
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