“Microenterprise” is a fancy word for teeny-tiny business. I think it’s great to see the streets of Santiago lined with individuals selling everything from snacks to clothing to toys to more and more snacks. But as a refugee client told me, it isn’t so great. It’s only because people can’t find regular stable jobs that they are driven to have to invent something to scrape out a living. This client prepares peanuts with flavors that are a bit exotic in Santiago, such as coconut (remember Santiago is not tropical), and sesame seed (from Asia, I believe). Because the government does not allow you to officially own a business until you have been in Chile for two years, newly-arrived refugees can’t have their own food kiosk. So, instead, this client supplies his products to others, who sell them on the streets. Each small packet costs him 15 cents to make, and he sells them for 25 cents. He averages 100 sold a day, for a total of about $10/day.
I went today with the FASIC caseworker to this refugee’s home and to see his workspace. It was a modest home, just one room, but he had worked hard to turn an empty room into a gleaming, clean work area. It was great to see where a family lives, see some kids, and to see the ambition of this family. He is an eloquent speaker and loves to share the story of his family, and the many other Colombian refugees in Chile. He gave me permission to publish and share his photo with others. And, he gave me two packs of peanuts!
