Grameen America Borrowers Market

A big thank you to everyone who turned out today to our second annual Borrowers Market at St. Johns University’s Tribeca campus. We are especially grateful to St. Johns for their commitment to Grameen America and continuing to supply us with a venue for this great event.

Despite the sweltering New York heat, over thirty borrowers from all three New York City locations turned out to promote their businesses. From 1:30-4:30pm, people stopped by to check out the stands, which ranged from empanadas to traditional hand-made necklaces. More than one Grameen America staff member was spotted chowing down on plates of roast pork with rice and beans, empanadas, and fried tacos.

The red velvet cupcakes made by Soul Sister Quisine owner and Grameen America client Nicole Gates, were a complete hit for desert. Ms. Gates, who is a member of the Jackson Heights branch, used her first loan to buy portable equipment to make her Southern inspired cuisine at festivals and street fairs. In just a year she has turned the dream of having a successful business selling Soul Food, such as ribs, pulled pork, collard greens, and cornbread, into a reality. She now has several employees and even enlists the help of her family for large events.

We hope to have many more borrowers markets in the future where we can showcase the feasibility of microfinance in the United States directly through Grameen America’s clients.