In the mid 90s I went on a MEDA tour to Bolivia and Paraguay. I remember visiting a woman who made brooms. This woman did not have the capital to go out and purchase raw material in larger quantities. She received a loan from MEDA and that gave her a chance to get raw material inventory. She started out on her own and now she has 2-3 employees. It all started with a $100 loan.

I saw with my own eyes the effect that a small amount of money can have on business. I saw individuals and families standing up on their own accord, living better lives, receiving better education and feeling hope for a future. By providing a better business environment, people are given a choice in their own lives. They don’t have to rely on anyone else. They can make their own decisions. That carries a lot of value.

Another thing that I felt in Bolivia is that business is a common language between cultures. I didn’t have brooms in common with this woman but we both had businesses that provided our livelihood. It was a starting point to a better understanding. MEDA provides that commonality to build relationships around the world.
I support MEDA because I want to connect and support business around the world. In a small way it allows me to participate in resolving inequities of the world. MEDA is a starting point in developing economic justice to the world.

Steve Stutzman lives in Denver, Colorado and owns and operates Stutzman Energy, LLC. The company is an independently owned energy management and consulting firm that focuses primarily on natural gas and natural gas liquids. They ensure their customers receive accurate energy advice that results in minimizing their price risk for their energy needs.