Selling fish/octopus in the interior

I had 6 negociantes (traders) asking for a loan of $200,- to extent their trading business of fresh fish or dried octopus. All are now buying from the local fishermen and putting it in a freezer (some of them had their own, others put it in other peoples freezer and pay a small amount) or in case of the octopus drying it. After collecting enough to pay for the transport, they sell it. This is or done by them selfs or they put it on a public minivan and have someone pick it up in the city and sell it for them. With this loan they would be able to buy more fish/octopus and sell more, which would extend their profits and would give their families more money and luxuy. I have asked them why saving a small amount every time they have sold their goods, would not be a better option, but they looked at me like I was crazy. When living in poverty, all money is really necessary to be able to let your family survive. Saving even the smallest amount, is to difficult. The loan would be paid back within 6 months with the profit made and this would not mean the family would not notice the extra money the first 6 months, just afterwards.