Id: L189
Name: Roberto's Wash Machine Rental Service
Type: Small Business Development
Status: Funded
Summary
Because of the economic situation in Santa Marta, most people cannot afford to purchase a washing machine. Since laundromats are not readily available in Colombia, women typically must do the laundry by hand. As more women join the workforce, washing by hand becomes increasingly burdensome. Roberto currently works for a business that delivers washing machines to private homes and charges by the hour for the service. The business has 6 washing machines which are constantly in use, according to Roberto. Machines are delivered by bicycles which have been specially modified to include a cart to hold large items such as the washing machine. Roberto would establish this same business in a sector of Santa Marta which does not currently have this service. He requests $300 to purchase 2 washing machines and anticipates that each machine will be rented approximately 168 hours per month. After deducting for maintenance and loan repayments, he projects a profit of approximately $85 per month. Roberto left his family in rural Magdalena to escape the violence. He must now support himself while completing his university studies. His Magdalena Foundation scholarship is renewable if he maintains a good grade point average, but does not over living expenses. He plans to repay the loan within 1 year.
Item
Description
Amount $US
Budget
1
2 Samsun Washing machines with 8 lb capacity @ $130 each
$260.00
2
2 electrical connections @ $2.50 each
$5.00
3
Transportation to deliver washing machine to clients
