Tereza Brings Ecuadorian Cuisine to the Street

When Tereza, a single mother of three, moved to New York City from Ecuador she feared that she would face an uphill battle finding a job. However, she was a talented cook and strongly felt it was a skill she could convert into a money-making business. Two and a half years ago her dream became a reality and she began selling food from a small cart in Queens. Tereza used her first Grameen America loan of $1,500 to purchase a larger cart that allows her to sell significantly greater quantities and varieties of food. Tereza subsequently took out a second loan of $2,500 and has not missed a single payment. Her business has allowed her to build savings that she uses to raise and support her children.