Walking Alongside

What makes a business development NGO any different from any other microfinance lending organization?

It’s the story, just like this one, behind each loan payment.  Whereas a lending organization focuses on collecting loans within the given time period, business development implies a long-term investment and a commitment to walk beside each businessperson, whether a loan is involved or not.  That commitment involves visits, phone calls, light conversations about family and the tough questions about what is really happening in the business.  It’s an enriching and fulfilling relationship, but at the same time requires a strong connection in order to honestly discuss what is best for the business and the owner.

A week ago I had the privilege of visiting Roger, a jewelry maker who participated in business training with our local partner PCD-Ecuador, received a loan, and formally started his jewelry business fulltime in November.  Roger comes from a family of jewelers and previously worked for a major jewelry manufacturer, but he wanted to have his own business to work with his wife and brother to carry on the family tradition.  With a loan from Partners Worldwide, Roger purchased the necessary machinery and now spends his days creating his own jewelry instead of simply following the designs created by his employer. 

Starting his business has been a joy for Roger, but it comes with many questions.  “Should I invest in additional machinery now or wait until a later point?  How can I increase sales?  Should I purchase an island in a mall to sell my products or continue selling through intermediaries?”  These are questions that Roger must answer, but he is not alone in searching for the best response.  Every month, Roger calls his business mentor in the US to share his questions and evaluate options with an experienced Christian businessman.  At the same time, local representatives visit Roger and review his financial statements. 

Through this ongoing communication, Roger is not alone as he takes the first strides in his business but has other Christian businesspeople walking alongside him every step of the way.  That is what makes Partners Worldwide and our local partner, PCD-Ecuador, business development NGOs—the constant commitment to the businessperson.

Check out an earlier story on Roger’s business on the Partners Worldwide website.

And look for more stories on businesses and a bike trail in Ecuador later this week.