Maria's Entrepreneurial Journey
Maria has been a Grameen America member since 2011, starting with a first-time loan of $1,000 to support her start-up flower shop in Jackson Heights, NY. Our team has visited Maria at various steps of her entrepreneurial journey to document her business growth.
2011
Maria worked in the flower district in Manhattan, NY until a friend and fellow entrepreneur in her neighborhood introduced her to Grameen America. With no prior credit history, Maria was drawn to the program’s low-barrier microloans and peer-focused networking model, which helped her launch her mobile flower shop.
“I wanted to become independent, work for myself, be my own boss, and make my own decisions. I wanted to prove to myself that I could run a business on my own and succeed.”
After receiving a first-time loan of $1,000, Maria invested in merchandise and flower inventory to appeal to customers’ various flower preferences. A year later, Maria achieved an incredible milestone - growing her mobile flower business into her very first retail store in Jackson Heights.
2015
Maria’s flower shop was popular for weddings, graduation ceremonies, school dances, and other events and holidays. While Maria’s daughter was studying for her GED, she helped with sales and preparing bouquets.
“My goals are to continue expanding the size of my shop and hire an additional employee to offer delivery services in the neighborhood.”
2017
“With Grameen America I feel more supported. I worry less because I know I have help when I need it. It’s a huge economic help.”
Maria has steadily grown her business over the years and focused on building her savings. As a mother raising three children by herself, she hoped to be a role model for her family and other women like herself who want to become successful business owners.
“I want women like me to know that they can do what I did - be independent and work while supporting and having time for my children.”
2024
Maria moved her shop to a bigger location in 2022, allowing more space for flowers, customers, and employees. With a current $10,000 loan, Maria was able to start selling her flowers online to accomplish her goal of offering delivery services.
Since 2011, Grameen America has supported Maria through 27 loans, totaling $200,000 in loan capital invested in her thriving flower business.