LocationsFrom a Small Village Dream to a Thriving Local Business: How Natália de Almeida da Silva is Brewing Opportunity and Empowering Her Community in Ainaro
Quin Café n’ Resto, Ainaro: A Story of Resilience and Empowerment
July 29, 2025
Mrs. Natália, owner of Quin Café n’ Resto, proudly serving in her coffee shop - a BIC programme beneficiary and competition winner.
Photo: Quin Café Ainaro/ Timor-Leste
Natália de Almeida da Silva, a 31-year-old entrepreneur from Ainaro, Timor-Leste, exemplifies resilience and innovation. Her journey began amidst the economic uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a recent college graduate struggling to secure employment, she and her husband turned to small businesses in Dili, including running an online shop and selling homemade snacks. Despite her efforts, the intense competition in urban areas made sustainable growth challenging. This realization inspired her to return to her roots in Ainaro, where she saw an opportunity not only to improve her own economic conditions but also to contribute to the social development of her community.
In October 2022, Natália invested her savings to open Quin Café, a small café in Ainaro Village. The café quickly became a cornerstone of the local community, offering quality food and beverages in a welcoming environment. To take her business to the next level, Natália applied for the Business Innovation Challenge (BIC), a programme under the Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Skills (YEES) Project that is co-funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Government of Timor-Leste through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The BIC empowers young people to develop and implement their own innovative business activities, providing funding and targeted capacity-building training. By supporting youth-led MSMEs, it promotes self-employment and contributes to economic growth, helping entrepreneurs like Natália build and expand their ventures. Winning the competition marked a turning point, providing her with resources and mentorship that transformed her small café into Quin Café n’ Resto, with expanded offerings and improved services.
Located in the heart of Ainaro Vila, Quin Café n’ Resto offers a cozy space surrounded by lush greenery and mountain views - a perfect stop for locals and tourists exploring the southern highlands of Timor-Leste.
Julia Belo/ UNDP Timor-Leste
Quin Café n’ Resto receives over 4,000 visitors annually, with approximately 70% being local customers and 30% international tourists. These visitors contribute significantly to the café’s growth by boosting revenue and enhancing its visibility through word-of-mouth recommendations and social media promotion. What draws people to the café is its menu, which includes manually brewed coffee, homemade snacks, and filling meals - all made to suit the tastes and needs of the local community. Moreover, the café’s affordable prices make it a popular choice for many.
The menu features a wide selection of coffee beverages, including espresso, cappuccino, macchiato, latte, and many more. The coffee served is made from high-quality Robusta and Arabica beans sourced locally from Letefoho in the Ermera Municipality, renowned for their rich flavor and superior quality. The partnership with coffee farmers in Letefoho contributes meaningfully to local economic empowerment efforts. Meanwhile, a variety of fresh fruit juices - such as avocado, orange, strawberry, carrot, and banana - is also available, all made using locally grown produce from Ainaro. The food offerings include a diverse range of dishes, such as local potatoes, free-range chicken, beef, and pork, all sourced directly from Ainaro's local producers to showcase the diversity and richness of the area’s produce. For a complete menu, please visit their catalog available on their social media platforms: Facebook and Instagram at Quin Kafe Ainaro.
The café also welcomes bookings for various events, including meetings, training sessions, workshops, and seminars In addition, the café offers a welcoming space for relaxation and social interaction, featuring a green garden, refreshing climate, and a serene atmosphere. It includes both indoor and outdoor areas that beautifully blend elements of local culture with modern design.
The café's reputation soared even more through prestigious opportunities, such as catering for the President of the Republic of Timor Leste.
However, Natália’s journey to the café’s success was not without challenges. Securing skilled staff and sufficient funds to expand the business were immense hurdles. However, she established a clear long-term vision for the business to overcome the numerous challenges and demonstrated resilience. Natália credits the integration of technology - such as social media, digital payments, and financial management tools - for keeping her business efficient and accessible.
Throughout the ups and downs of her entrepreneurial journey, Natália consistently shared her knowledge of running a café with her employees. The skills and knowledge she gained from the BIC programme didn’t stop with her; she passed them on to her local staff - teaching them how to manage finances, deliver great customer service, and work together as a strong team. She also took time to guide them through the hands-on details: how to brew a perfect cup of coffee, and how to prepare food and drinks that not only taste great but meet quality standards. Over time, these efforts started to make a real difference - building confidence, improving service, and helping create a more sustainable future for the local community. Her efforts have not only contributed to the growth of the café but have also generated widespread benefits and positive impact on the broader community.
Reflecting on her journey, she shares an empowering message: "Don't just sit back and wait for the government; all our dreams start from our actions." Her story highlights the transformative impact of empowering entrepreneurs to overcome barriers, create opportunities, and thrive. So far, 307 young entrepreneurs, including Natália, have officially received the grant through the BIC and transformed their businesses into formal businesses in Timor-Leste.
Quin Café n’ Resto is more than just a business - it’s a symbol of hope, determination, and community impact. Natália’s appreciation underscores their importance in fostering young entrepreneurs and driving local development. As she and her café continue to grow, Natália’s story serves as an inspiration to act boldly, proving that every dream is achievable with perseverance and the courage to take the first step.
Natália de Almeida da Silva proudly receives her certificate alongside fellow young entrepreneurs during the Business Innovation Challenge (BIC) award ceremony - celebrating innovation, resilience, and youth-led business development supported by the YEES Project.
Julia Belo/ UNDP Timor-Leste
About the YEES Project - UNDP
The Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Skills (YEES) Project is a joint initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the Government of Timor-Leste through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The project aims to empower young people by supporting innovative micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), enhancing vocational skills, and promoting entrepreneurship. Through initiatives like the Business Innovation Challenge (BIC), YEES provides training, mentorship, and seed funding to help youth turn their ideas into sustainable businesses - creating jobs, boosting local economies, and driving inclusive development across Timor-Leste.
“Don’t just sit back and wait for the government; all our dreams start from our actions.” – Natália de Almeida da Silva, Founder of Quin Café n’ Resto
