Fish breeding allowed Faustina to build a business

With humble beginnings backed by microcredit, this woman who knew how to overcome obstacles and move forward had the vision to explore the tilapia niche.

Faustina Paredes, a Dominican entrepreneur, has charted her path in the fish farming sector. He had an innovative vision and a drive for sustainable growth.

In a country like the Dominican Republic, which according to official figures imports more than 90% of its tilapia consumption, Faustina and her husband saw this need as an opportunity to enter a growing industry and contribute to the economic development of their community.

Located in Haras Nacionales, a suburb of Santo Domingo, Faustina and her husband created a small family business dedicated to tilapia production. In a conversation with elCaribe, they recall that they started with the modesty of a few ponds and fish, backed by microloans that allowed them to take the first step towards their business dream.

They currently operate two ponds, each producing 1,500 fish per cycle, with expansion plans that include building a third pond to increase production capacity.

In an interesting morning conversation, Faustina explains that the key to success lies in her careful approach to the quality and care of her fish. And he recognizes the importance of continuous learning and has actively participated in programs offered by associations such as Codopesca, acquiring knowledge and skills that have strengthened his business.

From the proper handling of the fry to the fattening phase, Faustina and her husband have combined traditional wisdom with innovation and developed specialized feeding formulas that accelerate growth and guarantee the quality of their products.

Faustina and her husband’s dedication is not limited to the technical aspect of their business; It also focuses on its social and economic impact on society. In addition to supplying quality fish to local grocery stores and diners, they have expansion plans that include hiring additional staff and distributing their products to other communities.

Both Mrs. and her husband ensure that their commitment to sustainable development is reflected in all aspects of their operations, from the responsible management of natural resources to the creation of jobs in their environment.

The financial support of the Dominican Development Fund (FDD), which gave them a microcredit, was important for the growth of the small business. But in addition, Faustina received the recognition of the BCIE-Solidarios 2023 award, which highlights her significant contribution to the Dominican business sector.

As a pioneer in the effective use of microcredit, FDD has demonstrated that financial support combined with training and mentoring can catalyze the success of those who have an idea and implement it as a project, especially for those with limited resources. This award not only confirms the hard work and dedication of Faustina and her team, but also inspires other entrepreneurs to follow her example.

Innovation, capacity

Despite obstacles such as lack of access to capital and limited resources, women like Faustina demonstrate a remarkable capacity to innovate and thrive in a variety of sectors.

Faustina Paredes is already a well-known reference for entrepreneurship in the Dominican Republic and in the community in which she lives and which has seen her rise in the field of fish farming.

From careful handling of fry to other stages, they implemented innovative methods that reduced costs and increased productivity, proving that success in fish farming is not only about investing money, but also about investing time and effort. constantly learn and improve.

In addition to creating jobs and creating economic opportunities, entrepreneur Faustina has also been active in local development initiatives, working in collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations to promote education, health and well-being in her community.

The CABEI Award not only recognizes the hard work and dedication of Faustina and her team, but also inspires other entrepreneurs to follow their example, demonstrating that success in business has no boundaries or gender.