Before Ilifinesh Hurisa qualified for a Hope Arising loan, her family subsisted on ETB17 ($0.61) per day. Her husband, a day laborer, is away for extended periods working in the fields for minimal income while Ilifinesh is left to provide for their two children.
Applying the basic business principles learned from Hope Arising and using funds from a microloan, Ilifinesh purchased and fattened sheep to sell. She has since expanded her business to include ox, chickens, and a milk cow. The income from selling eggs, milk, and livestock allows her a regular income, especially when her husband is away.
Ilifinesh speaks highly of the business training she received, explaining the importance of budgeting. The cycle of caring for and selling livestock creates inconsistent cash flow, but the training she received taught her to anticipate and budget for these cycles. “Hope Arising supported me in starting my business. Before, I did not understand business, but now I can plan my business and have regular income,” she gratefully explained.
Ilifinesh has repaid the loan she received, regularly saves money for future needs, and has quadrupled her income through her business venture.
“Thank you to Hope Arising and your supporters. Because of you, my life is changing.”