Borrower profile: Reina Narcisa Monge Velasquez

by Susan Frisbie
Development and Marketing Director

Reina Narcisa Monge Velasquez operates a bakery in Tipitapa, a city 12 miles east of Managua. Its proximity to Managua and accessibility from the Pan-American Highway have made Tipitapa a major commercial center, employing tens of thousands in low-paying free-trade zone factories. Reina, a borrower of NICA Fund partner agency Prestanic, is thankful her family has been able to avoid the dismal working conditions of the free-trade zones due to the success of her business.

When she began, she had one small oven that held eight trays of pastries. Today, thanks to her loans, she has two large ovens with a total of 44 trays. She sells her increased production in small shops around Tipitapa and Managua. The bakery employs Reina, her husband, her son-in-law, and several community members. Her employees do everything from production and operation to sales and delivery.

Reina admits that running the bakery is hard work, but is proud of her success. She is grateful for the faith that Prestanic put in her and the opportunity it provided by lending to her. “Without microcredit, this business could never have succeeded,” she explains. “My community and my family have benefited greatly.”

Photo by Michael Kienitz.