Endang lives in Perbaungan, South Sumatra in Indonesia. The residents in her local community have busy lives, which gave Endang an idea for a business.

In September 2020, Endang opened a simple laundry business. She started from scratch by collecting clothes from residents in her neighbourhood, going door-to- door and asking if they required a laundry service.

Her neighbours obliged and handed over their clothes for Endang to wash by hand and iron. It was hard work, but she managed to maintain a regular customer base.

To make her life easier, Endang needed a washing machine and dryer. She took out a small loan from Opportunity International Australia’s local microfinance partner for IDR 4,000,000 (A$400) to buy her first washer-dryer unit.

With one machine, she was able to offer an express same day laundry service, increase her client base and earn up to IDR 300,000 (A$30) a day.

^{Endang has expanded her laundry business to four locations in South Sumatra}

With the business thriving, Endang wanted to expand. Subsequent loans have enabled her to purchase five washer-dryers and one stand-alone clothes dryer. She has successfully opened three other laundry branches and has hired six employees.

The business is now generating around IDR 500,000 (A$50) a day. Endang and her employees wash an average of 50kg of laundry per day, per branch. She has created jobs and is helping to boost the local economy.

“The financing provided was very useful for the business that I started from door-to-door until now its current stage of four branches,” said Endang. “I really hope to be able to continue partnering with (Opportunity’s local partner) Bina Artha, so that the financing for business capital continues to increase, while I am committed to making my repayments on time."

“I believe I can be successful with your continued support!”

This program is supported by the Australian Government through the NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).