Piura, Peru
Piura is a city in northwestern Peru and is the capital of the Piura Region and the Piura Province. The population is approximately 400,000. It was here that Spanish Conqueror Francisco Pizarro founded the first Spanish city in South America, San Miguel de Piura, in 1532, thus earning the modern day city its Peruvian nickname: “La Primera Ciudad”- meaning: the first city. Piura served as the first main port through which the Inca gold the Spaniards had gathered was shipped back to Spain. Although rich in culture, the conditions are difficult. ECH works with the people to increase opportunities for creative jobs and better futures. 
Example of successful Micro-Loan Training:
Humberto, a father of three and grandfather of four, has worn many hats in his life. After years of lean living, he opened a food stand in Piura´s busy central market. Each morning he made ceviche, a popular Peruvian dish made of fish marinated in lime juice. Over the years he amassed a loyal following of clients. However, his business was limited because he was serving his food from a small cart with very little room for the people to eat. With his first loan, he purchased a larger cart that had seating space for six. Because the cart was more visible, he also attracted new clients. Now, he serves more than 350 people daily!
Humberto has also benefited from the business workshops he attends as part of the lending process. In these classes, he has learned how to manage his income. He decided he needed to invest some of the money he was earning in a new business. He and his wife used a $4000 loan to purchase a taxi that they rent to a driver each day. The business has been so successful they have since purchased three additional taxis, and between the two companies they have eight employees working for them. They now feel at peace because they are financially secure and no longer have to worry about having enough to meet their basic needs and they will be able to take care of themselves when they can no longer work.
Humberto attributes much of his current success to the loans and training he received from Eagle Condor. “I am so grateful,” he said. I am not the only person that has been blessed by the loans I have received. All of our victories are shared with our family.”
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