“I didn’t have a business permit to prove my business existence but I went along with two friends who knew me well and my hawking business.” With this form of surety, Hassan secured a $500 loan.
“That money changed everything,” Hassan says. “I put up a stall, bought more melons in bulk, and no longer had to walk around. People started coming to me.”
The stall, strategically located in a busy Mogadishu market, quickly became a go-to spot for both small traders and everyday buyers. With two additional loans from IBS, Hassan expanded further. He now runs a sizeable operation and has hired his nephew to help with daily sales.
“I’m not just selling fruit anymore, I’m building something,” he says proudly. “I even plan to buy a juice maker to add value.”
Thanks to the steady income, Hassan can now support his family, pay school fees for his children, and save for the future.
“Before, it was hand-to-mouth. Now, I sleep without worry,” he says.
His story is one of persistence, opportunity, and the power of small loans to unlock big potential. As Hassan puts it: “I didn’t need a miracle. I just needed a little support, and I ran with it.”
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