Gary Salmon is a fisherman in Port Maria, Jamaica. Gary has been a fisherman in the area all his life. His family lives seaside in a home that Gary constructed from wood that he found floating in the ocean, after drying it out and cleaning it up. Previously, Gary received a small loan, now paid in full, to paint his boat and repair its motor, enabling him to offer his services as a snorkeling guide to local hotel guests.
Gary's boat has been recently damaged, preventing him from fishing until it can be repaired. Gary would also like to purchase three fish pots The fish pots that Gary will use are environmentally-friendly traps that have larger holes so the little fish will swim out and continue to grow. The fish pots will allow Gary to catch more fish, increasing his revenue from sales to hotels and local vendors.
To make boat repairs, and purchase the fish pots, Gary is requesting $500.
Veronica Scott is a baker in Port Maria, Jamaica. She recently opened a small pastry store on a busy commercial street in the city. Currently, she bakes all of her goods at home in the evening, and sells pastries and sandwiches at the store during the day. Mrs. Scott's kitchen currently has a sink and stove, but lacks an oven that would allow her to bake at the store. Having a commercial oven on-site in her store would allow her to bake more items during the day while she is manning the store, thus increasing the quantity of baked items she can offer daily, and increasing her profits.
To purchase a commercial oven, Veronica is requesting $4000.
Vin is a tailor in rural St. Mary Parish, Jamaica. He learned his sewing trade by hanging around a local tailor's shop as a kid. He makes custom uniforms for area school children, and fashions suits for local businessmen. He would like to expand his business to include other types of clothing plus curtains and decorative items. To do this, he needs a serger sewing machine to professionally finish fabric seams.
To purchase a serger sewing machine, Vin is requesting $1000.
Ashley Edwards is a farmer in rural St. Mary Parish, Jamaica. Because of the remote location of his farm, the Edwards family uses a middleman to distribute their crops and produce, costing more than 50% of their market profit. With his own transportation, Ashley can bring his goods to market areas, thus increasing his profits. He hopes to also use his truck to transport produce from neighboring farms, for a lower rate than the middleman charged, and allow his neighbors to be more profitable.
Isaac lives in Islington, Jamaica and provides lawn care for schools and businesses around St. Mary parish. Traditionally, lawn grooming is done in Jamaica using a weed ìwhipperî instead of a lawnmower. Previously, Isaac received a loan, now paid in full, to purchase his primary whipper.
He is currently gathering letters of intent from 7 to 8 new clients, and would then like to purchase a second whipper to expand his business. The long term plan for Isaac is to have four whippers working full time. Once he accomplishes this, he may become eligible for a loan to purchase a pick-up truck.
Isaac is requesting $1100 to purchase a whipper.
Ginghamsburg Karate Club is a free-of-charge Martial Arts program affiliated with Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City, Ohio.
They hosted a martial arts tournament, and used the proceeds to fund the loan for Gary.
Southbrook Church is a Christian church in Miamisburg, Ohio. Members of their congregation participate in several mission trips to Jamaica yearly.