Talented Entrepreneur Anticipates New Growth

Throughout the past few years, the Pella, Iowa affiliate of Partners Worldwide has witnessed an established business grow through increased mentoring and access to capital. Guillermo Diaz owns and operates the small meat market business located in the business center of Catacamus, Honduras. His business has become a well-known enterprise that provides income and opportunity for Guillermo and his family, as well as five full-time and four part-time employees. Despite the recent growth and success of his business, Guillermo continues to see opportunity for growth and advancement.

Having worked for a meat packaging plant for nearly 25 years, Guillermo started his meat market business 10 years ago. His business consists of buying beef from a local meat processing plant and then making several special cuts of meat for restaurants and walk-in customers. His reputation for having an exceptional product and service is rapidly growing, and the need for more equipment and employees is rapidly increasing as well.

Guillermo recently saw the need to automate the production processes. Through mentoring, encouragement, and a small loan, he purchased a new electric meat saw, meat tenderizer, two meat grinders and additional coolers to prepare and preserve the cuts of meat. His total investment for the additional equipment was around $1,300. Now, he is able meet the demands of his customers by providing fresh, well-cut meat more efficiently than before.

“The loan program has been essential in the growth of my business. Without investors, it is nearly impossible to grow and advance in the business world. Thanks to the loans, I am one step closer to competing in the national market,” asserts Diaz.

Guillermo is a talented entrepreneur, constantly looking for more effective ways to provide a product that meets customer demands. His goals for the future are aggressive, with plans to continue expanding throughout the next couple of years. Thanks to the loans and mentoring, Guillermo continues to provide additional jobs within his community, support his family, and seeks to grow his business to the national level in Nicaragua.