Bucerias Woman Grows Dressmaking Business With Investours Loan

Catalina, a life-long dressmaker, is the recipient of an interest free loan through Investours

Catalina, a life-long dressmaker, is the recipient of an interest free loan through Investours (photo courtesy of Investours by Paul Desmond Media)

Entrepreneur in Bucerias, Nayarit (north of Puerto Vallarta) receives interest-free loan to grow dressmaking business through Investours –  improving the lives of local business owners and their families.

On October 13, Investours visited several local entrepreneurs in Bucerias and chose Catalina, a life-long dressmaker, to be the recipient of an interest free loan. Catalina will use this loan to invest in a new sewing machine and materials to help her grow her business.

During the tour, Catalina told a group of travelers about how she taught herself to sew on a machine when she was just 16. After making her own wedding dress for her wedding nearly 25 years ago, her friends persuaded her to make dressmaking a career. Since then, she has crafted hundreds of beautiful wedding dresses, school uniforms, marching band uniforms and other creations for her friends and neighbors in Bucerias.

This tour marks the start of a successful high tourism season for Investours, a non-profit that partners with Se Mas Microfinanzas to offer socially responsible, microfinance tours in the Bay of Banderas region. During a tour, Investours takes travelers into surrounding communities to meet local entrepreneurs – people who are seeking loans to start-up small business projects like fishing, dressmaking, food stands, make up sales and piñata making.

The tour participants engage with the entrepreneurs about their businesses, their lives and why they need a loan. At the end of the tour, the group decides on one of the entrepreneurs to receive an interest free loan funded by the group’s tour fees. This loan, along with ongoing financial education provided by Se Mas Microfinanzas, helps to improve the lives of local business owners and their families.

Investours plans to run tours every Thursday and Friday this season. Thursday tours will depart from the American School of Puerto Vallarta, and Friday tours will depart from Punta de Mita, Nayarit.

The cost is $50 USD per adult and $35 USD per child. For more information about Investours, or to sign up for a tour, visit www.investours.org or contact local Program Director, Ryan Pukos at puertovallarta@investours.org.

Susie Albin-Najera on FacebookSusie Albin-Najera on InstagramSusie Albin-Najera on LinkedinSusie Albin-Najera on TwitterSusie Albin-Najera on Youtube
Susie Albin-Najera
Susie Albin-Najera is the creator and editor of The Mexico Report, an award winning travel blog showcasing news, deals and resources for the modern traveler. Najera is a writer, author, travel blogger, marketing and public relations specialist and producer. Najera serves on the host committee for Maestro Cares, founded by singer Marc Anthony and producer Henry Cardenas; and on the advisory board for Corazon de Vida, providing aid to children in Mexico. She is also the creator of 'The Real Heroes of Mexico' showcasing community heroes in Mexico and producer of Latino Thought Makers. Najera has been recognized by the Mexican Consulate and Mexico Tourism Board for fostering positive relations between countries and her dedication to showcasing Mexico as a premiere destination. She can be reached at info@themexicoreport.com

1 comment for “Bucerias Woman Grows Dressmaking Business With Investours Loan

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.