Poultry to Prosperity: Marwa’s Journey to Success Through Small Business Loans

It is early morning in the village of Safta El Laban, located in Minya, Egypt. Thirty-three-year-old Marwa is already hard at work, weighing and selling poultry in a rental shop near her home. Poultry has always been her passion, but there was a time when turning that passion into a sustainable livelihood seemed impossible. Through the Under Privileged Entrepreneurs Reach Project, a project by Cash for Microfinance in collaboration with Challenge Fund for Youth Employment, Marwa’s dream was about to become reality.

Breaking barriers

Not long ago, Marwa was struggling to make ends meet with her small poultry business. Her husband worked odd jobs, and their family relied heavily on the income from poultry sales. Marwa knew she needed to grow the business to provide better for her family, but she faced significant challenges. Money was tight, and Marwa couldn’t afford the necessary equipment and merchandise to expand. Moreover, as a female entrepreneur in rural Egypt, she confronted unique challenges as traditional views often dictated that business was something for men only.

But Marwa was determined. Her passion for poultry and her drive to break through gender barriers pushed her forward. She knew that with the right opportunity, she could transform her small business into something greater. This is Marwa’s story—one of resilience, determination, and the belief that women, when given the right opportunities, can excel in any field.

A loan, a leap: Marwa’s journey to growth

That opportunity arrived in November 2023, in the form of a loan. Marwa learned about the Under Privileged Entrepreneurs Reach Project by Cash for Microfinance through a group of young employees who praised its simple and respectful financing system. The project aims to reach entrepreneurs like Marwa in their villages and homes and wants to provide entrepreneurs with local support and fast access to finance. After doing some research, she found the company’s approach both personal and trustworthy. Encouraged, Marwa decided to take a leap of faith and applied for a loan.

She was approved for a loan of 5,000 EGP, which would allow her to take her business to the next level.

“The loan application process was incredibly smooth,” Marwa recalls. “It only took about 48 hours, with the support of my husband and a friendly representative from Cash for Microfinance. I was hesitant at first, but their guidance made me feel at ease.”

The loan provided Marwa with the financial boost she needed—something she could not have achieved without external support. She was relieved by the low interest rates and impressed with the respectful treatment she received throughout the process. “I wish there were more programs designed specifically to support women entrepreneurs,” she says, describing her experience as nothing short of “success.”

Microfinance, major impact

Since receiving the loan, Marwa has been able to purchase new equipment, significantly improving both her efficiency and customer service. This expansion has allowed her to grow her income, while also saving her valuable time and effort. The results have been life changing. Marwa can now provide a more comfortable life for her family and make a substantial contribution to their household’s financial stability. Beyond the financial impact, the experience has boosted Marwa’s confidence. She now feels more self-reliant and financially independent, seeing herself as a capable entrepreneur with the tools to succeed.

Amplifying empowerment

Looking to the future, Marwa dreams of expanding her shop and creating job opportunities for other women in her community. She wants to inspire them to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, just as she has done. For other young entrepreneurs facing obstacles, Marwa’s advice is simple but powerful:

“Never give up on your dreams. With hard work, determination, and the right support, you can achieve anything.”

Marwa’s story is a testament to the transformative power of small business loans and entrepreneurial spirit. As she reflects on her journey, she offers heartfelt advice to her younger self: “Believe in yourself, and you will surely achieve great results.”