Manriquez Family
Vision, humility and spirit of service bring many rewards to the Manriquez family in the South Valley, Albuquerque, NM.
With $200 in savings, Saul and Carmen Manriquez launched their business a decade ago selling specialty goods imported from their native Mexico at a flea market stall in Albuquerque’s South Valley. Soon the fledging entrepreneurs were in need of money to expand their inventory. They heard that ACCION helped emerging entrepreneurs, like them.
What started with a $500 loan from ACCION in 1997 today has grown into a 16-employee grocery store and meat market with annual revenues nearing $2 million. In 2007, the Association for Enterprise Opportunity named the Manriquez family’s Carnicería La Especial the nation’s Best Community Business of the Year.
ACCION’s first loan, the $500 that helped Saul and Carmen buy inventory, was followed by four additional loans that have helped fuel their growth and success. In total, ACCION invested nearly $55,000 in the Manriquez family business.
They recently purchased the flea market property where they started and want to turn it into a commercial retail complex. The idea is to bring in businesses that would cater to the needs of the neighborhood’s working families and provide jobs for the community.
The Manriquezes have built credit and assets. They have created jobs and contributed to the local economy. Their daughters can dream of college.
"It’s literally made everything possible for us," Saul says.