BAUCAU MUNICIPALITY, Timor-Leste (ILO Story) – Genoveva, a 34-year-old mother of four from Baucau Municipality, Timor-Leste, now runs a successful virgin coconut oil (VCO) business. She actively manages her inventory and attracts customers through promotions and competitive pricing.
I now earn around US$200 per week, which allows me to support my family and pay for my children’s education.
Genoveva, a mother of four children and young entrepeneur
“My customer base has grown, and my market has expanded beyond Baucau to other municipalities, including the capital city, Dili. I now earn around US$200 per week, which allows me to support my family and pay for my children’s education,” she said proudly.
Her life changed dramatically after joining a series of training courses in 2024 under the European Union (EU)-funded Agroforestry Skills for Employment and Resilience Programme, implemented by the ILO and facilitated by Instituto de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Empresarial (IADE). Although hesitant at first, Genoveva completed three key training modules using ILO tools: Generate Your Business Idea (GYIB), Financial Literacy and Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB).
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“At first, I was unsure about joining the training because of my responsibilities at home and with my children. Thankfully, my father encouraged me and offered to take care of the children so I could attend,” she shared. “I’m grateful to him as the courses gave me practical skills and tools that helped me strengthen and grow my VCO business.”
During the training, Genoveva learned how to manage inventory, set better prices and separate business income from household expenses. Within just three months, she was able to improve the business she had been running for five years with little progress.
I’m grateful the courses gave me practical skills and tools that helped me strengthen and grow my VCO business.
Becoming an entrepreneur was her way of supporting her family and ensuring her children’s education. She started her first business in 2012, opening a small kiosk selling basic groceries. When that venture failed, she and her aunt pooled US$50 each to start a small-scale VCO production business.
“In 2019, with a capital of US$100 and the confidence that I had gained some skills, I launched my own VCO business from a humble kiosk along the road between Baucau and Lospalos. I also sold at local markets. But no matter how hard I worked, I earned only US$30 per week—barely enough to support my family. I felt desperate, like my business was going nowhere,” she recalled.
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After the training, Genoveva understood why her business had stagnated. Without proper inventory management or financial tracking, she couldn’t monitor profits and often had to borrow money to buy raw materials.
“Thanks to the training, I realized I needed better financial and business knowledge. Now I can manage, sell, earn more and even provide jobs for others,” she said, adding that she has hired two employees and pays them regularly.
Today, Genoveva’s business not only supports her family but also contributes to the local economy and inspires other women in her community. “The training gave me more than technical skills. it gave me the confidence to lead and grow my business,” she concluded.