Agnes' Journey: From Small Beginnings to Thriving Food Vendor

Introduction: The Humble Beginnings


Agnes is a soft-spoken woman with a quiet determination. Her journey in the food industry began with a small hotel in Ruiru town, where she initially served between five to ten customers a day. Over time, her business has flourished, and she now serves over 100 customers daily. With a growing customer base, Agnes expanded her space to include seating for customers to enjoy their meals on-site. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and hard work.

The Early Days and Introduction to 4GC

Agnes started her business with the humble goal of serving a few customers each day. At first, she only cooked and delivered takeaways to a small group. It was during this period that 4GC introduced itself to her. "I had never considered taking a loan before," Agnes admits. However, after speaking with a 4GC agent who explained how the loan system worked, Agnes decided to take the plunge. She started with a small loan of KES 5,000, and over time, her loan limits grew. She steadily progressed from KES 5,000 to KES 7,000, then KES 10,000, and now, she can access up to KES 96,000.

Challenges and Recovery


Agnes’ journey hasn’t been without its challenges. There was a period when she struggled to meet her repayment obligations due to personal issues, which caused her loan limits to decrease. However, with the support and understanding of 4GC, she was given time to recover. "I am so happy that the 4GC staff listened to me when I couldn’t pay and gave me time to bounce back," she says

gratefully. This support allowed her to reclaim her loan increments and continue her growth.

Business and Personal Growth


Agnes’ growth has not only been limited to her business but has also had a profound impact on her personal and family life. "When my husband was sick, I was able to meet medical bills from this business," she shares. The income from her small hotel has allowed her to support her family, including paying for her children’s education. One of her children is in secondary school, while the other, who started in baby class, is currently in grade 4. "I continue to pay their school fees without struggle, even though my husband has not been able to work since his accident," Agnes explains. Her ability to manage her business and personal responsibilities is a testament to her resilience. Agnes also faced a difficult period when her mother fell ill and she had to close her business temporarily to take care of her. Despite these challenges, she has been able to maintain a steady flow of income and continue to support her family.

The Dream: Expanding to Cereals


Looking ahead, Agnes has a clear vision for the future. She dreams of starting a cereals business back home, having identified a gap in the supply of cereals. "I’ve noticed there is a gap in the supply of cereals, and I want to take advantage of that opportunity," she says.

Purpose and Use of Loans


The loans from 4GC have been crucial in helping Agnes grow her business. She primarily uses the loans to buy stock, foodstuff, cereals, and pay her staff. What started as a small operation with just herself now employs three additional staff members, helping her meet the growing demand for her services.

The Need Met by 4GC


Before receiving the loan from 4GC, Agnes had no idea where she could take a loan, nor did she think her small business would qualify for one. "I used to cook takeaways only, and I didn’t have much stock," she recalls. One of the biggest challenges she faced at the time was buying cereals, which were expensive and made up a large portion of her costs. Thanks to the loan, she was able to buy

the necessary stock, expand her menu, and improve her offerings.

Conclusion: A Story of Growth and Gratitude


Agnes’ journey is a testament to the power of resilience and support. From starting with a small takeaway business to now serving over 100 customers a day and employing several staff, she has shown remarkable growth. The support she has received from 4GC, both in terms of financial assistance and understanding during difficult times, has been instrumental in her success. Looking ahead,

Agnes is excited about the future and remains committed to further expanding her business, including her dream of starting a cereals business.