Last week, second-year students at LMI presented their business plans, showcasing creativity, community focus, and practical strategies. With guidance from Vital Voices and support through LMI’s micro-loan program, these students are well on their way to turning their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
Genesis: Fashion for the Neighborhood
Genesis has loved clothes since she was little, and opening the first stylish clothing shop in her community could be a game-changer. With support from Vital Voices, the global champions for women leaders, she’s refined budgets, developed her strategy, and even secured a trusted business partner: her sister! Genesis plans to support the business behind the scenes, helping with budgeting and inventory, while her sister manages the shop day-to-day. That way, Genesis can focus on studying medicine, another dream of hers.
Andrea shares her business plan for a breakfast restaurant, inspired by the early morning routines of workers in her community.
Genesis presents her clothing store business idea, using a benchmarking strategy to determine competitive pricing.
Andrea: Breakfast Before Sunrise
Andrea noticed that many men in her community head out to work at dawn—often without breakfast. So she came up with an idea for a cozy spot serving early morning meals. Vital Voices helped Andrea fine-tune her business model, analyze competition (the only other restaurant serves just lunch and dinner), and prepare an LMI micro-loan proposal to get started.
“Our business creates personalized t-shirts in response to people’s desire to wear stylish clothing while remembering their loved ones and special events.”
Suseli: T-shirts that Tell Stories
Suseli plans to design personalized t-shirts, creating meaningful mementos for life’s important moments or tributes to loved ones who’ve passed away. “Maybe you have something positive to say, or a special day you want to remember—you can put that on a shirt,” she said passionately. Entrepreneurship wasn’t even on her radar until before coming to LMI and being so inspired by the strong entrepreneurial spirit here. “This is all new, but I’m learning so much—about setting goals, meeting customer needs, and managing employees,” she shared. “Here, you’re changing your life personally, spiritually, professionally—everything.”
Jorge and Andrea after the presentations.
Jorge Theresin, who leads the business course on campus (alongside Mr. Chuck, who teaches remotely from the U.S.), expressed pride in the students’ growth. “Since October, they’ve really learned a lot,” he said. “They confidently present their ideas and focus on solving real community needs.” Jorge is proud of his students and added, “Whether they pursue college, get a job, or start their own business, I hope this course helps them see new possibilities.”
Support Beyond Graduation
Students who want to turn their dreams into reality can apply for an LMI micro-loan, offering practical support to launch their businesses after graduation. As the presentations ended with smiles and sighs of relief, it was clear: at LMI, big ideas have a place to grow.