May Fores (43) and her husband Celso (44) have worked hard to be where they are today. With two children of their own, May and Celso also adopted four children from their relatives. Ten years ago May was struggling to provide for her own family, but today, through hard work, dedication and the support of the ASKI Trust Bank program, she has seen her dreams of a successful business come true.
May’s first business was in the buy and sell industry-she traded goods such as mangoes, chickens and hogs. However, she had very little capital and her profits went straight to household expenses.
In 2000, she and her husband decided to engage in a new business venture -selling dried fish. At first, the business struggled, but May was patient and steadfast. When she heard of the ASKI Trust Bank program in 2003, she saw her opportunity to expand her business. With a loan of 5,000 pesos (A$130) from ASKI and the support of her husband and family, little by little the business grew. With their profits they were able to buy an Izusu Elf truck which they use to deliver their products to other provinces and their town’s public market.
May and Celso travel to the town of Pangasinan at least two or three times a week to deliver dried fish and squid. They also deliver dried fish to different public markets in the municipality of Tarlac. Today, they have their own truck driver and four workers who assist them in their business.
May also works in the direct selling business as an Avon and Natasha dealer. Before joining the Trust Bank, May was earning a monthly income of 5,000 to 10,000 pesos (A$130-$260). She is now earning at least 15,000 to 30,000 pesos (A$392-$784) a month and she is happy in the knowledge that her family’s future is secure.
May acts as the leader of her Trust Bank, and having attended ASKI training on candle making and Macapuno candy making, she has learnt different business strategies which help her manage her own business. According to May, the support of ASKI helped her reach her dreams. Today, May’s pride and joy is apparent as she displays her family’s new house. She is full of happiness because her hard work has broken the hold of poverty on her family and their future.
DSBN is working towards our r first “More than just business” initiative - sponsorship of a "Trust Bank" in West Timor.
Eighty percent of the West Timor's population are considered poor and the majority live in rural areas where they are dependent on agricultural based activities for survival. The need in West Timor is great as its people continue their struggle to survive. Please contact us if you are interested in contributing.
Empowering small business owners!
