Starting a Business with the Girls

Andrew (down here representing WWU and their micro-finance program) and I have been running a Personal Finance class for the girls, twice a week, for the last few weeks. Money is something that most people around here don’t have, and if they do happen to have, they do not know how to spend it. It has been fun going over topics like, “Spending vs. Saving,” “Is Money Good or Evil,” or “How can we start a business,” “What does the bible say about money,” and more.

Just recently we have been trying to start something that the girls could help manage, and run. Right now, we are underway in an ice business. We have an extra fridge, with freezer, free purified water, and access to cheap bags. The girls have been selling and managing the whole thing –they need some help, but that is where we come in. Down here, everyone goes to business, business doesn’t come to them. So, we began an ice-at-your-door program. We deliver the ice. Our freezer only holds a limited supply of ice, so right now we are just about at our max each day.

This small program has allowed the girls to see what demand is, supply, expenses, profits, and even if something is successful or not. Our goal is to start one or two more small businesses for the girls, but we are waiting. This is a chance for all of us to learn. It is exciting to see the girls actually getting into this though. They don’t really like the lectures, but they do enjoy the interactive, field-work days. Our ice business is even making a profit now…