Cándida Medina is a hard-working, energetic woman with a true entrepreneurial spirit. When we met Candida in 2004, she had used loans from Global Partnerships microfinance partner ACODEP to build her small fritanga (food stand) business into a successful venture. With the income earned, she was able to support her four children and expand her business. Today, she employs both her son and daughter-in-law at the fritanga that now boasts 15 tables and offers both lunch and dinner service. While her business expansion was successful, Cándida had bigger dreams.

Thanks to her excellent credit history with ACODEP, Cándida was able to take on a larger loan and recently opened a successful karaoke disco bar. With her profits, Cándida purchased two new rental properties to provide her income in her retirement. Cándida's success has brought an end to the cycle of poverty within her family. She has supplied her children with an education. She has given them the means to support themselves. And by planning for her own retirement, she has given them financial independence.