Johnson and her family live in rural Nova Scotia, a scenic region known for its coastal beauty and hardworking communities. Many families here engage in fishing, small farming, and local craft traditions. Johnson specializes in handmade knitted goods and small woodcrafts that he sells at local farmers’ markets and community fairs. He is seeking a loan to purchase yarn, tools, and raw materials to expand his craft business and increase his family’s income.

Sanne de Vries and her family live in a small town in Friesland, an area known for its strong cultural heritage and hardworking people. Residents often balance farming with traditional crafts and trade. Sanne specializes in handmade ceramics and woven textiles, which are appreciated both locally and by tourists visiting the Netherlands. She is requesting a loan to buy clay, glazes, and weaving materials to expand her production and support her family’s livelihood.

João Pereira and his family live in a village in Alentejo, a beautiful region in Portugal known for its agriculture, vineyards, and artisanal traditions. Many families here practice cork craft and textile weaving, skills passed down through generations. João specializes in producing cork accessories and embroidered linens that he sells in local markets and to visitors. He is applying for a loan to purchase cork sheets, embroidery supplies, and sewing materials to grow his small business.

Hannah Thompson and her family live in a rural community in Waikato, New Zealand, a place recognized for its farmlands, Maori cultural traditions, and creative crafts. Local families often engage in agriculture, woodwork, and woven flax handicrafts. Hannah creates woven flax baskets and decorative items, a skill learned from her elders. She is requesting a loan to buy flax, dyes, and woodworking tools to expand her craft production and better support her family’s future.

Laura, 32 years old, is a determined and hardworking woman from Caldas. Single and motivated to succeed, she started her own business raising quails as a way to generate income, sustain herself, and build a better future.

María Salmerón is a responsible and hardworking woman dedicated to improving the quality of life of her family. She lives in a low-income neighborhood where conditions are basic, but through her entrepreneurial spirit she strives to create better opportunities for her household.

I’m a public accountant originally from Venezuela and a proud mother of three daughters. I moved to Spain nearly nine years ago, carrying with me big dreams and facing the typical struggles many immigrants encounter—adjusting to a new culture, language barriers, and starting from scratch professionally. Early on, I found work with a nonprofit organization in Madrid that helped Latin American immigrants with taxes and legal paperwork. That experience opened my eyes to the fact that my profession could be more than just a job—it could be a tool for service and empowerment. Now, I am seeking support to expand my small accounting and consulting practice, which helps immigrant families and small businesses with their finances. With a loan, I will be able to invest in updated accounting software, marketing, and office equipment to better serve my clients and sustain long-term growth.

I am the founder and executive director of a cultural initiative inspired by circus arts. I grew up in a farming family of community leaders and educators in the Netherlands. My upbringing nurtured my interest in how art and culture strengthen communities and build resilience. As an artist, I initially struggled to find opportunities in a society that often emphasizes traditional career paths. Thankfully, I discovered circus culture as a unique way to merge creativity, performance, and community engagement. This passion led me to create a small performance company that brings circus-inspired shows and workshops to schools, cultural centers, and festivals. I am seeking a loan to expand our operations—investing in new equipment, costumes, and training programs. This support will allow us to reach more audiences, sustain our work, and continue building a cultural space where creativity and community thrive under the “Big Top.”

I am an artist originally from Venezuela with over 35 years of experience in the fields of art and design. In Venezuela, I owned several companies and built a career focused on creativity, design, and craftsmanship. Now that I live in Portugal, I am working to rebuild that same path by starting a business focused on furniture design and manufacturing. I create unique, handcrafted furniture pieces that combine modern design with traditional Portuguese craftsmanship. To expand my workshop and sustain operations, I am applying for a loan to purchase woodworking machinery, raw materials, and marketing support. This investment will help me strengthen my presence in the Portuguese design market and secure a future for my business and family.