Makereta
Makereta Matemosi began designing authentic Fijian tapas in 2004. She spent years perfecting her craft, but struggled to eke out a living through her sales until she received a loan through SPBD in 2011.
Success Stories
Through our microfinance (MFI) field partners, MicroDreams touches the lives and businesses of thousands of entrepreneurs, who in turn invest in their families’ education and housing needs. MicroDreams is proud to be an organization focused on empowering dreams and changing lives, one at a time.
Meet the microentrepreneurs we have helped. Click on any image to view more details.
Lupe
She may not be on Forbes’ “The World’s Most Powerful People” list, but Lupe made it to the top of SPBD Tonga’s list in 2012 to capture top honors as the “Businesswoman of the Year.” Lupe is currently an owner of a registered business in Tonga that grows and sells vegetables in her local market. She’s also an importer of produce from New Zealand, an advocate for women-owned businesses, and of course an SPBD client.
Kalera
A client of SPBD Fiji since November 2010, Kalera Dikakua has been busy expanding her canteen with the micro loan she received from MicroDreams’ partner, SPBD Fiji. She started her business with only FJ$40 (US$20) – money that she earned from selling flowers. Kalera has co ...
Apolo
Apolo became a client of South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Samoa in 2006 after friends encouraged her to join the program. Apolo is now in her seventh loan cycle, accessing WST2,000 (USD830/NZD1,100) in financing.
Makalita
Makalita has been the main bread-winner for her family since her husband left her and her 5 children 24 years ago. She’s a relatively quiet woman with a dogged determination to succeed. Her motivation? Providing for her children and grandchildren as well as her elderly bro ...
Genoveva
Genoveva has been a valuable client of Emprender, MicroDreams’ field partner in Bolivia, since 2005. Doña Genoveva, like many clients, joined Emprender as a member of a solidarity group. Due to her solid repayment history, she has graduated to become an individual lending client ...
Asenaca
Industrious Asenaca Qalilawa joined SPBD Fiji in December 2010 and has since expanded her sources of income successfully. She used her loans to buy: (1) a sewing machine to make beautiful Fijian clothing to sell; (2) material to weave more kutas (Fijian woven mats) and (3) manure and fertilizer for her flower garden to supply potted plants to business offices...
Melesisi
During a financial literacy training in Tonga last September, a group of clients completed a visioning exercise. For Melesisi, this was an incredibly powerful and emotional activity. In thinking about her hopes and goals, her vision for a better future is linked to an education for ea ...
Karina
Because of the lack of employment in the area, Karina decided to open a business making picture frames. She has used the loans to purchase material and market her products. Karina is now well known in the area and has established a good clientele.
Lorena
Two years ago, Lorena decided to take out a loan with FUNDAMIC to start a small bakery. She is currently on her second loan and has used it to purchase materials in bulk. This has substantially increased her profits.