Mother of five, Welmince, from Soe in West Timor, Indonesia, has built a successful weaving business with the help of a small loan.

She first started with a loan of A$200 from one of Opportunity International Australia's local microfinance partners to buy materials and increase her productivity.

Year by year, her business grew, and she received additional loans. These increased loans have had a significant impact on Welmince's business and brought a brighter future for her whole family.

"In the early days of my weaving business, I could only afford a few pieces of basic fabric, so if I wanted to increase production, I had to wait for the woven fabric to sell," said Welmince.

Now, with access to larger loans, she can stock more materials, create a diverse range of motifs, and attract customers for traditional and religious events.

Today, Welmince's woven fabric business is thriving, enabling her to send her children to school and university. One of her daughters is now a teacher, another is a nurse, and her third daughter is studying maths at university.

With the increased income, Welmince and her husband were able to renovate their home and create more space to extend their family.

They adopted two girls who were orphans from Papua, giving them a stable, loving home and an education from a young age. The girls now attend the local junior and senior high schools and are doing very well.

Not only is she a successful businesswoman, but Welmince's generosity and kindness shine through. She is well-respected in her community and is always willing to help those in need. She is an inspiration to her five daughters, who are all on their way to successful careers.

Welmince is grateful for the support she has received from Opportunity's local partner and recognises the importance of women in her community earning an income and creating their own pathways out of poverty.

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