Iowa Community Capital expands microlending reach to Black community
$500,000 grant from Wells Fargo will boost programâs capacity Friday, January 15, 2021 6:00 AM Before the pandemic, business was “going really well” for Margaret Ajawin’s north Des Moines grocery and specialty shop, African Express. The South Sudanese immigrant started the small shop in 2015 to provide a selection of native grocery items tailored to the immigrant communities from African countries. Using microloans from Solidarity Microfinance for buying inventory, she built up a steady clientele and over time broadened her offerings to African clothing as well as jewelry, hair products, cosmetics and beauty products. She also got a license to sell beer, wine and cigarettes.