Square One Global is a student run, non-profit organization at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University which works to implement sustainable businesses in developing communities around the world.
As Director of Corporate Sponsorship for Square One Global, I harnessed my writing abilities to engage and captivate our organization’s stake-holders. For this particular project, I conducted interviews and, in combination with the stories and experiences of Square One travelers, used my creative language skills tell their stories in an effective, magnetic manner.
The Square One Micro-loan Program has empowered…
a woman named Sopha. Sopha works as a housemom at In His Hands Orphanage in Léogâne, Haiti. With the micro-loan she received from Square One, Sopha plans on utilizing a money transfer app called MonCash. With MonCash, Haitians will be able to lend and borrow money. From each online transaction made, Sopha will receive a portion of the transfer; this is how she plans to pay off the micro-loan, and eventually, to expand and nourish her fledgling business. Because of Square One’s support, Sopha has become a trailblazer in Léogâne, forging ahead into a new industry previously unknown to the community’s culture and business markets.
a man named Noele. Noele is an artist; he carves stones and coconut shells into intricate pieces of artwork to sell in the tourist markets of Léogâne. Noele’s microloan enabled him to invest in a wider variety of tools. With these tools, he will be able to delve deeper into alternative artistic methods of creation, cater to a broader field of consumers, and, ultimately, increase his revenue and expand his overall business.
a man named Yva. Yva works with hard alcohol, plants, and sugar to concoct various medicines and cures for diseases. With the medicines he creates, he cleans out sinuses, and cure a variety of ailments. Yva’s micro-loan provides him with another drum so that he will be able to make multiple batches of medicine at the same time. With his micro-loan, Yva is also able to invest in more medicine bottles, allowing him to more efficiently package and sell his medicines at the rate of demand he faces.
a woman named Founa. Founa is the owner and cook of an outdoor restaurant in Léogâne. She plans to delve deeper into her venture by investing in a tarp, music speakers, and chairs for her restaurant. In addition to these, she plans on purchasing more product in order to more efficiently serve customers at the daily rate of business she receives. Thanks to your donation and support, Founa will be able to revitalize the experience her restaurant has to offer to her customers, as well as increase the appeal of her business as a community gathering space.
a man named Estima. Estima is a school teacher in Léogâne. In Haiti, the government regulates the sale of textbooks, and students are often unable to afford their school books. Estima plans on buying textbooks in bulk at a discounted rate and selling them, along with various other school supplies, to his students for an affordable price. Estima’ s micro-loan will enable him to buy the majority of his books and supplies in one transaction. Not only has your donation supported Estima’s business ventures, but also has increased access to a better education experience for all of Estima’s current and future students.
and a man named Mario. Mario is a translator and a farmer. He sells the food he grows, and oversees several employees who assist with various projects on his acreage. With the micro-loan he received from Square One, Mario plans to sell fertilizer to the greater community of Léogâne. With the help of Square One, Mario will be able to take his business ventures to another level, as well as better the lives of other members of his community.