Our Work

The Banco del Barrio Program

The neighborhood bank program promotes sustainable social and economic development of existing entrepreneurs through micro-loans and robust programs. Key aspects which make this program successful include:

• Seeding micro-loans to well-established, small business owners in Colombia
• Establishing individual credit though banks
• Utilizing a disciplined program involving mentoring and accountability
• Augmenting business skills which will enable their businesses to flourish

Most of the businesses focus on food and beverages, beauty services, and clothing.  Other business sectors span communications, technology, supplies, and transportation.  Almost 70% of our business owners are women.  

Banco Del Barrio has gained a reputation as a valuable program throughout Cartagena.    Local barrio leaders are reaching out to us to bring the program in their neighborhoods, thus offering their residents an opportunity to be economically self-sustaining.

Stories

Lilibet

Lilibet Marimon Robles

Lilibet took over her husband’s business when he got ill. She supports her son, a grandson and her husband. She sells fresh fish on the streets of her community. Each day she sells 5- 8 kilos of fish. Having a refrigerator will allow her to purchase more fish and keep it fresh longer without spoilage.

Business Goal: To purchase a refrigerator, and maybe a fish store someday
Neighborhood: Ciudadela 2000

Gilma

Gilma Rosa Martinez Gonzalez

Gilma started selling candy in her home as a way to help herself financially. Her customers asked about other products and she gradually included more types of food.

Business Goal: To purchase additional products and eventually open a mini mart
Neighborhood: Ciudadela 2000

Ana

Ana Cecilia Meza Cervera

Ana has been sewing since she was 15. She dedicated herself to earning a living by sewing for neighbors and friends. She would like to grow her business by having a sewing machine so she can do more work and do it faster and better.

Business Goal: To buy a Sewing Machine to make her work more profitable
Neighborhood: San Jose de los Campanos

Sandra

Sandra Milena Julio Berro

Sandra lost her job and decided to start a business offering snacks for events and breakfast. She has a Facebook page where she publishes the type of snacks she has available. She sells snacks typical of the region such as empanadas cheese sticks, guava candy sticks.

Business Goal: To buy a freezer to have more products in reserve, distribute them quicker, and thus grow her business.
Neighborhood: Villa Corelca

The Banco del Barrio Difference

Our Impact

I am amazed that they trusted me and my business, and provide me with easily accessible credit

Kelly

I can now spend more time with my children, especially during those special moments

Yessica

I no longer feel discriminated against. With Banco del Barrio, I see a path to improve my restaurant.

Guido

Thanks to Banco del Barrio I was able to obtain a loan with a very low interest rate that could help me buy more supplies for my business. I aspire to be able to continue with more loans to improve my business.

Yolima

Banco del Barrio has given me the hope that I will be able to achieve my dream one day.

Yorlenis