As a mother of five daughters, Maryam often baked cakes and cookies for school events. When the school’s principal was eager to pay for her services, Maryam was encouraged to turn her passion for food into a small business.

Brenda has always enjoyed helping her friends decorate and plan their parties. Three years ago, she joined Grameen America and was able to turn her hobby into a business. A new video features Brenda and her story of transformation.

Irene used to struggle to make ends meet, but now she runs a thriving carpet business in Queens, New York City. The store has nearly reached capacity; it’s overflowing with rolls of carpets in various colors, patterns, and fabrics. A member of Grameen America, Irene has been receiving microloans for more than three years and is on her seventh loan.

Lanise and Janine co-own a trendy clothing store in Harlem, New York City, and a loan from Grameen has allowed them to upgrade their payment system and increase customer satisfaction. The two women are also giving back to their community by supporting and teaching young entrepreneurs.

Petra has always loved cooking. Five years ago, she decided to turn her passion for food into a business by selling her home-cooked Mexican specialties in her local community in New York City.