A Small Business Struggling Against the Odds

“Bola had a knack for seeing numbers everywhere.”

Most people saw Christmas lights and tinsel. Bola saw expenses. Holiday shoppers meant more income, but also more stress, and behind every cheerful sale, she calculated the costs: rent, inventory, wages. It was a trait that had kept her small clothing shop afloat through tough times in Lagos, Nigeria. But this year, as her business struggled under financial pressure, even her unique knack for numbers couldn’t lift the weight on her shoulders.

With Christmas approaching, Bola worried how she’d provide for her family. Her husband’s job wasn’t stable, and her shop was barely covering the basics. Loans were scarce, especially for women entrepreneurs in her area. She felt the weight of expectations from her community, her family, and herself. Every morning she opened her shop, hopeful for a miracle and holding onto resilience.

An Unexpected Visitor

That Wednesday, as the sun set and the last shoppers trickled out, Bola noticed a distinguished man browsing her racks. He wore a dapper suit with a silver vest, and his gaze was both curious and warm, as if he knew her story without her saying a word.

“Good evening,” she greeted him politely, preparing her usual sales pitch. “Are you looking for something special?”

“Actually, Bola, I’m here because you are special,” he replied with a smile, lifting his head to look around her shop as though admiring her entire journey. He wore a pinky ring that caught the light, sparking unexpectedly as he continued, “I’m Mr. Grant Money. I hear you have a unique business here, one that deserves support.”

The Struggle to Move Forward

Bola raised an eyebrow, unsure of how to respond. “You know my name… and my business?”

“Oh, yes,” he said, casually adjusting his cuffs. “I have a way of knowing people who need a little boost, especially those doing as much as you. I’d love to chat about some ideas for how you might grow this business of yours.”

Bola laughed, feeling a little skeptical but intrigued. “Well, sir, unless you have a hidden bank in that coat of yours, I’m not sure how much more I can do.”

“Let’s start small,” Mr. Grant Money said, gesturing to a seat. “Tell me, what’s holding you back the most right now?”

Bola took a deep breath and started to explain her challenges—high rent, low cash flow, and the lack of access to loans, especially for women in her position. “I’ve tried everything I know, but the banks don’t make it easy for women like me to get a loan,” she added, frustration lacing her words.

Discovering Micro-Loans

Mr. Grant Money nodded thoughtfully, tapping his silver cane on the floor as he listened. “Bola, you’re not alone in this struggle. Across Africa, women entrepreneurs face similar obstacles, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t options. Have you looked into micro-loans?”

She shook her head. “Micro-loans? I’ve heard the term, but I don’t know much about them.”

“They’re smaller loans with manageable interest rates, often designed to support small businesses like yours. There are organizations and even banks that focus specifically on helping women entrepreneurs access these loans. Micro-loans can give you the capital you need without overwhelming you with impossible debt,” he explained.

A Glimmer of Hope

Bola’s eyes lit up as she listened. “But how would I even find one that fits?”

Mr. Grant Money leaned in closer, his voice warm and reassuring. “I happen to know a few. There’s a platform called the African Development Bank that offers various programs for women entrepreneurs. Another great option is the Women’s World Banking network. They provide financial services tailored for women like you, focusing on empowerment and sustainability.”

As he spoke, Bola felt a glimmer of hope she hadn’t felt in months. She could picture herself applying for one of these loans, restocking her shop, and preparing it to serve even more customers.

The Real Power of Resilience

“It sounds like a real lifeline,” she admitted. “But… there’s more to it, isn’t there?”

Mr. Grant Money smiled, nodding. “A micro-loan will give you a push, but it’s your resilience that’ll keep you going. You have the skills, Bola. This Christmas, think of it as a chance to plant seeds, not just to make ends meet.”

She took a deep breath, the words sinking in. “I have to believe it’s possible, don’t I?”

“Exactly,” he replied, his pinky ring glinting again. “With the right resources, and the fire you already have, you’re unstoppable. Remember, Bola, true resilience isn’t about never feeling fear or doubt. It’s about moving forward despite them. And this season, you’ll have what you need to make it happen.”

A New Beginning

Bola’s heart swelled with gratitude. “Thank you, Mr. Grant Money. I can’t believe this conversation actually happened.”

He chuckled, adjusting his coat. “The best things in life are often the ones we don’t expect. I’ll be keeping an eye out, Bola. Make me proud.”

With that, he tipped his hat, nodded goodbye, and walked out into the bustling streets of Lagos, disappearing into the crowd. Bola stood alone, but her heart was fuller, her mind brimming with new possibilities.

The shop felt different that night. It was no longer just a small space struggling to stay open—it was a promise of something bigger. Bola locked up, determined to take her first step toward a brighter future, knowing that sometimes, even the smallest loan could spark the biggest change.

Discussion & Personal Reflection Questions:

1. What challenges have you faced when pursuing a goal, and how did you overcome them?
2. In what ways can micro-loans benefit small businesses, particularly for women entrepreneurs?
3. How can resilience shape one’s journey, even in the face of financial struggles?
4. What are some resources or financial options you could explore to grow your own dreams?
5. How does the holiday season inspire you to take action in your personal or professional life?

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