Access to finance remains one of the biggest barriers facing women‑owned businesses, particularly when traditional lending models rely heavily on collateral. Through innovative partnerships and targeted financial inclusion initiatives, this barrier is slowly being broken one entrepreneur at a time.

One such success story is Jackie Jambo, a small business owner whose journey demonstrates the transformative power of inclusive finance.

Building a Business with Determination

Jackie is the founder of a gift shop and interior decorating business (Lumaja Gift Boutique), which she has been running since 2018. Like many women entrepreneurs, her business started small but was fueled by ambition, hard work, and a desire to grow.

Her relationship with FINCA spans more than a decade. Over the years, she gradually accessed financing, beginning with a modest loan amount, which laid the foundation for her business journey.

When Collateral wasn’t enough, but Potential Was

At a critical stage of expansion, Jackie needed capital to support the relocation and stocking of her shop. She was moving from Manda Hill Mall, where rental costs were high, to Arcades Mall, a decision that required fresh inventory and working capital.

Although Jackie did not fully meet the collateral requirements for the amount she needed, her track record, commitment, and business potential told a bigger story.

Through a partnership between FINCA and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), Jackie accessed another loan, this time an amount higher than what her collateral alone would have qualified her for. This support reflects a shared commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs who are often excluded from traditional financial systems.

Turning Opportunity into Growth

With the loan, Jackie was able to purchase stock, establish herself at the new location, and keep her business running smoothly. While business growth has not been without challenges, she remains resilient.

The loan has not negatively affected her household and instead has helped stabilize her livelihoods and strengthen her entrepreneurial confidence.

More Than a Loan—A Pathway to Possibility

For Jackie, access to finance went beyond capital. It was a sign of trust, belief, and partnership.

“I really appreciate that you’re helping us build ourselves and improve our lives through these loans,” she shared.

Her story highlights the impact of inclusive financial solutions that recognize potential, not just paperwork.

Supporting Women to Lead Their Own Change

Through partnerships like that with UNCDF, FINCA continues to support women entrepreneurs who might otherwise be locked out of formal finance. By relaxing traditional collateral constraints and focusing on sustainability, repayment behaviour, and long‑term empowerment, more women like Jackie are given the chance to grow, thrive, and lead change in their communities.