Microbusiness and Mamas
In the highlands of Guatemala, Mayan mothers face a steep uphill climb when it comes to economic independence. Many have little formal education, and most of our FFF participants have never had the opportunity to attend school. This lack of education, combined with gender discrimination, generational poverty, and geographic isolation, makes starting and sustaining a microbusiness incredibly difficult. Griselda and Yessica are two examples of women determined to overcome the statistical challenges that hinder their futures.
Yessica and Griselda had no collateral, which prevented them from securing even small loans to purchase inventory or invest in basic infrastructure for a home-based shop.
Statistically, rural Mayan women own a tiny percentage of small enterprises in Guatemala. Still, most of these women face barriers such as limited access to credit, a lack of legal knowledge, and societal norms that favor men in business roles. For these two Mayan mothers, these challenges are even more pronounced. Language barriers (as many speak only their indigenous dialect), domestic responsibilities, and transportation difficulties further hindered their ability to access training, resources, and markets. Yessica and Griselda had no collateral, which prevented them from securing even small loans to purchase inventory or invest in basic infrastructure for a home-based shop.
When a Mayan mother manages to open a microbusiness—whether it’s weaving textiles, selling produce, or running a tiny storefront—it is not just a business venture; it is an act of resilience. Success requires more than just hard work. It depends on community support, and ongoing training from Fabi and Vinnie (their assigned FFF facilitators), who understand the cultural and systemic barriers they face.
Supporting these two women is not only about economic development—it’s about transforming entire communities by investing in the most underrepresented, yet determined segment of the rural Guatemalan population.
Finding Freedom Through Friendship has helped 234 women in Egypt and Guatemala launch their own small businesses https://www.finding-freedom-through-friendship.org/our-programs/microfinance-program.html. Owning a small business allows a poor woman in a developing country to generate a steady income, reduce dependence on charity, and provide essentials like food, education, and healthcare for her family.
Economic independence brings dignity and a sense of control over the future of our microbusiness participants. We are so proud of each of the women who have partnered with us to step into the uncertainties and the joys of owning their own business and accepting the challenges that this journey brings.
