As a member of EO Reno/Tahoe, I feel very fortunate to have access to the resources that EO provides. Whether it’s Member Exchange, the relationships I’ve formed at EO Universities or the benefits I’ve received from my Forum experience, I am thankful to have the support of an elite organization.
During a recent trip to Peru, I came to appreciate the value of my EO membership to an even greater extent by witnessing entrepreneurialism in a different setting. I was visiting the country with the Eagle Condor Humanitarian, an organization that provides microloans to budding entrepreneurs. The microloan program is designed to aid aspiring business owners or provide much-needed capital to existing entrepreneurs.
Eagle Condor Humanitarian has a unique approach to lending. The first and most important part of the loan program is the business training that is provided prior to loan funding. The training covers various topics, such as marketing, accounting, business plan writing, budgeting and management. I saw firsthand how the training aspect of the loan program increased the likelihood of business success, and ultimately, the repayment of the microloan.
During my trip, I visited approximately 50 different businesses in 96 hours. The businesses ranged from small bodegas (mini marts) that were established in the entry of an entrepreneur’s home, to a dentist office that was the owner’s second location. The business owners were resourceful and clever in preparing and establishing their businesses (they reminded me of my EO peers!) I had even met widowed and single parents that had complete life changes since opening their businesses. The capital they received from Eagle Condor allowed them to purchase much-needed raw materials to open their respective businesses.
The joy and fulfillment I have received from my service to business owners in Peru is immeasurable. I had the pleasure of visiting manufacturers of beautiful metal works, quality cleaning products, delicious candies, fine shoes and popular beverages. The group was very diverse. There were men, women, young and old, and they all shared one common desire— to improve their lives and achieve a higher measure of their potential.
I have always been a believer in the proverbial “American dream”— the promise of opportunity for prosperity. In this dream, citizens of every rank feel that they can achieve a better, richer and happier life. I found out on my trip to Peru that the American dream not only lives in the United States, but is alive and well in South America, too. The dream transcends borders. With more than 7,300 members from 42 different countries, it is obvious that the dream of self-fulfillment and improvement is the common thread of all members of EO.
Being a member of EO has provided me with resources that most entrepreneurs throughout the world do not have. I feel blessed, and I have an obligation to assist my fellow entrepreneurs. I will continue to do that by supporting my peers and sharing with them stories that inspire me to grow and lead.