Tirunesh Opened a Hospital Café, Thanks to Training and Loan

As her family grew, Tirunesh stepped away from her career to raise her eight children. They lived in Hawassa, a city overlooking the scenic shores of Lake Hawassa. “During this time, I was unemployed,” Tirunesh said, “but my dream of building something meaningful never faded.” 

When her children were old enough, Tirunesh decided it was time to make that dream a reality. With the unwavering support of her family, she took a leap of faith and embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. She rented a small room nearby where she prepared and sold breakfast items including egg sandwiches, bread rolls, and injera firfir, a spicy dish of shredded flatbread, tomato, and onion. 

“It was a humble start,” Tirunesh said, “but it marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life.” 

Investing in Her Vision

Tirunesh attended a transformative training program held by the Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church, where she gained essential business skills including money management.  

What’s more, the opportunity introduced Tirunesh to Enat Bank, an Ethiopian partner of Partners Worldwide. At Enat, she opened a savings account and procured a loan of approximately $200.  

“This financial support became the cornerstone of my business expansion,” said Tirunesh. She used the investment from Enat Bank to purchase a refrigerator and other vital equipment, which allowed her to improve service quality. She also created employment opportunities for three women in her community, empowering them to support their families.