In Nepal, where the average monthly income is around $100 and often less than half of that in rural areas, limited job opportunities compel millions of workers to seek employment abroad. This widespread labor migration separates families and communities as people leave home to find a sustainable income. Microfinance programs are emerging as one way to create local opportunities that allow people to stay.

Raj, a welder and father of four in southern Nepal, faced this economic pressure. He had started his own company but lacked the capital to grow. “My income was only about $60-75 a month,” he said, noting that he was missing essential tools to take on more work and increase his revenue.

His turning point came through a microfinance program. He learned about the loan from a friend, who is a local pastor, at a time when he couldn’t get funding from anywhere else. After attending a short training session on business practices, he successfully applied for a $400 loan. “I was excited by the opportunity,” Raj said. “The whole application process went smoothly; it was very thorough and well-organized.”

The investment immediately impacted his business and his family’s stability. With the loan, Raj purchased the equipment he needed to improve his welding services. “Now, with the new equipment, I’m averaging around one hundred and twenty dollars a month,” he stated. The increase has nearly doubled his previous income, providing a more stable foundation for his family.

The new revenue has allowed Raj to not only grow his business but also to create work for others. “I run the business by myself for the most part, but I hire a part-time employee whenever I have a large project,” he said. He has been making consistent payments on his loan for the past ten months and hopes to see his business continue its steady growth.

For Raj, the program’s value extends beyond his own workshop. It offers a model for others who wish to build a life in their home country. “This program allows us to support our families without having to leave them to find work in another country,” he explained. “It has helped me a lot, and I know it can help many other people too.”