Kiosko Olivia - Curtí - Panama

Economic Challenge

Olivia Mona’s kiosk sits on the side of the Panamerican highway. Here travelers and community members in the surrounding area can stop to pick up basic items cooking ingredients, meats, household non-food items, cold sodas, candy, and pastries, and sugar. Olivia owns the kiosk, but runs it with the help of her daughter, Blanca. The store brings in approximately $150 in revenue each day. Food is delivered by a truck, and she stores it on shelves, in her refrigerator and in her freezer. Although Olivia and her daughter Blanca run the store, the family hangs out around the store during the day and whoever is there when a customer comes will serve them, which includes the children. Her husband owns approximately 300 plantain trees across the street and sells them with other produce in front of the kiosk, although the businesses are separate.

• Business Owner(s): Olivia Mona

• Date Established:  December 2016

• Community Members Involved:  Olivia Mona, Porfirio Samana, Blanca (her daughter)

Economic Challenge

• Although Olivia has already received some financial training, it is important for her family to further their knowledge and to check that everyone (both the children and Olivia) are recording their transactions correctly.

• Stagnation in market outreach. They could be searching for more ways to grow.

• Some of the inventory has been invaded by ants.