What might otherwise be a tranquil street corner in the town of Ocotal, Nicaragua bustles with activity every day from frequent visits of clients loyal to street vendor Gregorio Perez. Gregorio has staked his claim on this corner, and he is found there every morning with his pushcart selling enchiladas, taquitos and fresh fruit juice to workers in the area. Gregorio’s business is funded by microloans provided by Global Partnerships microfinance partner FUNDENUSE, and the income from it supports his entire family. The business itself is a family affair. Gregorio staffs the cart selling the product, his wife of 14 years cooks the food and prepares the juice at home, and their older son brings fresh supplies to restock Gregorio when he runs out. Together they prepare and sell more than 350 enchiladas every day.

Gregorio has two young boys, both of whom attend school, and the earnings from his pushcart pay for their uniforms and books. While Gregorio acknowledges that there are various options for microfinance services in his town, he chooses to work with FUNDENUSE because they have offered him not only loans, but also excellent customer service. In fact, it was a FUNDENUSE loan officer who first shared with Gregorio the opportunity to obtain a loan and start his own business—a business which is building a brighter future for this young family in Nicaragua.