Elvira Narte is a hardworking mother of four, living in the city of Bohol, Philippines, with her husband. For many years, they struggled to provide for their large family on her husband’s income alone. Then, when one of her children was hospitalized, Elvira worried that the child’s medical bills would send the family even further into debt. Elvira wanted to be able to start her own business to help support her family, but without guidance or financial support, she was unsure where to begin. When Elvira heard about the financial training and loan that she could receive from Opportunity International, she knew she had found the solution she had been looking for. With her loan, Elvira was able to purchase products, goods, and groceries in bulk to open up a small convenience store in her community. She and her husband noticed an immediate change in their financial situation as their neighbors began to flock to Elvira’s store. With this increased business income, Elvira and her husband have been able to pay their child’s medical bills, pay school fees for their children, and start saving money for their future. Elvira dreams of growing her business and opening up a second store in the town’s busy central market.
