From Dreams to Businesses
Anna-Marie Simon helps Seynabou develop her project.
Maison de la Gare's microfinance program transforms visions into resilient businesses
Ella Holliday discovers the story and ambitions of Pourmera, a borrower selling perfumes.
Maison de la Gare launched in 2020 a microfinance program which offers former talibés and members of the local community zero-interest loans, accompanied by practical training in entrepreneurship. Designed to compensate for the lack of access to traditional banking services, this scheme allows project leaders, often excluded from the financial system, to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses. In partnership with Friends of Senegal of Oregon, our initiative has become a catalyst for economic dignity and local self-reliance.
Phincho Sherpa and Ibrahima Diao work together to develop a plan to make his dream of raising poultry come true!
Since its inception, the microfinance program has awarded over 250 loans ranging from $100 to $600. Just over half the beneficiaries are men, 56% of them older or former talibés. The balance are women from the local community. These aspiring entrepreneurs have invested in poultry farming, market gardening, tailoring, food processing, artisanal crafts and much more.
Equipping borrowers for success
Fenella Lamle and Josh Dixon, recent graduates in modern languages from Oxford University, visit Aliou at his kiosk, made possible by a loan.
We know that financial support alone isn’t enough. That’s why we pair each loan with hands-on training and personalized coaching. Borrowers learn how to manage budgets, forecast cash flow, build savings, and navigate the ups and downs of running a business. They also explore pricing strategies, customer relationships, and digital tools like mobile money and social media. The goal isn’t just to launch businesses — it’s to help them thrive.
Volunteers make it happen
Volunteers bring energy, expertise, and heart to the program. They lead workshops, conduct interviews, visit businesses, and help borrowers to develop business plans.
Recently, Austrian volunteer Anna-Marie Simon spent three weeks with us preparing loan applications and meeting beneficiaries in their workplaces. These visits gave her insight into the small businesses and initiatives led by the borrowers. As a result, she was able to help us to improve our loan application forms and procedures.
Josh in Maison de la Gare's center with future entrepreneurs
Thanks to her professionalism, attentive listening and kindness, Anna-Marie built trusting relationships with both the beneficiaries and the microfinance team. She had a lasting impact at Maison de la Gare, and her time with us will be remembered as a beautiful experience of solidarity and human connection.
Join the movement
Every loan we offer is more than financial support; it’s a vote of confidence in someone’s potential. And every success story is a reminder of what’s possible when opportunity meets determination.
You can be part of this journey. Whether by donating, sharing our story, or volunteering your skills, your support helps build a future where entrepreneurs own their success—where dreams become businesses.