A. M. 20.4% of salvadorans interviewed by Observa MYPE, an initiative of de Fundación de Apoyo Integral (Fusai), have used informal loans in the last 12 months. Forty-eight percent of them did so once, while 23% used this financing twice. These figures reflect a reality where access to traditional credit remains a challenge.
The study reveals that women use this type of financing to cover their living expenses and simple accumulation, requesting an average of US$2,411.58. Men, on the other hand, access larger amounts, with an average of US$2,991.83, aimed at expanding their businesses and starting small businesses.
According to the report, people seeking informal financing for small businesses request an average of US$8,357.14. Financing for expanded accumulation amounts to US$5,853.23. This data shows how salvadorans are seeking resources to grow by diversifying their businesses or ventures.
By department, La Libertad and San Miguel lead the way, with 31% and 27.4% of respondents using this type of loan. Regarding loan amounts, Usulután recorded the highest annual average at US$4,018.14, followed by San Salvador at US$3,275.19, reflecting the economic dynamism of these areas.
Observa MYPE emphasizes that these figures reflect the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of salvadorans who, lacking access to other options, turn to this type of financing to achieve their business and livelihood goals. The report highlights how this phenomenon has become a key tool for the country’s informal economy.
