Unless you need the loan to generate income. Then you cannot first save (or it would take much longer) Take the example of needing $ 100 to setup a small resta

Unless you need the loan to generate income. Then you cannot first save (or it would take much longer) Take the example of needing $ 100 to setup a small restaurant. You probably need tables, kitchen equipment and some ingredients. After you have those you can start selling food and over some time pay back the loan. Once the loan is paid back you have more profit leftover for yourself. So you've become less poor and more able to provide for your own future.