On a sunny spring day in Nicaragua, the excitement was palpable since early morning. Women entrepreneurs arriving at the Central Plaza from nearby towns carefully arranged their products and greeted one another with smiles. Each table reflected the hours spent creating, growing, preparing.
The market featured fresh vegetables, handmade crafts, office supplies, traditional sweets, and natural drinks. For these women, the Mercadito Verde — Little Green Market — was an opportunity to connect with other women entrepreneurs and to take one more step toward economic independence.
Among the stands that stood out for Sonia at the market was Rosa’s, whose business began by addressing a need in her community. Rosa started selling motorcycle spare parts and later expanded to selling fuel. With her most recent ESPERA loan of $300, she was able to purchase more inventory and expand her business.
Another inspiring initiative was a group creating handmade crafts from tusa (corn husks), transforming locally available and recycled materials into beautiful products. Their creativity and commitment demonstrate how women are building businesses rooted in their communities while caring for the environment.
“Having a space to promote and sell their products means a lot,” shares Sonia, Mary’s Pence newest staff member in Central America, who visited the market. “It is part of their journey toward financial independence and having control over their own money and decisions.”
“The commercialization of products is often one of the weakest links in women’s businesses,” adds Mabel, ESPERA Program Lead. “Activities like these strengthen their ability to market their products and expand their opportunities.”
Through ESPERA, Mary’s Pence helps remove barriers women face when accessing traditional financing. Women receive flexible loans, business training, and ongoing emotional wellness support to strengthen their enterprises and achieve their financial goals. They also gain opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs and bring their products to new customers.
The effect of women’s leadership
Through their small business, women are strengthening their own livelihoods while building networks of support. They share knowledge with fellow entrepreneurs, encourage other women, and create communities of care. Many use their earnings to support their children’s education. Little by little, entire communities thrive.
“The women we’re partnering with through our program are the force behind their families and communities,” Sonia reflects. “They are breaking barriers, becoming examples for other women, and showing what is possible when they have opportunities and support.”
Many women still face challenges, including transportation barriers, limited access to technology, and balancing entrepreneurship with responsibilities at home. Yet they continue forward with creativity, resilience, and solidarity.
Your generosity creates opportunities
The Mercadito Verde represents what happens when women have access to resources, encouragement, and a community that believes in their potential.
Through ESPERA, Mary’s Pence partners with organizations in Central America and Mexico to help women strengthen their businesses, develop leadership skills, and create more secure futures for themselves and their families.
Your partnership makes this work possible. When you support Mary’s Pence, you help create spaces where women can grow, connect, and transform their communities.
Thank you for investing in women who are creating opportunities for themselves and for others.