Ambition is fueled for this leader in the fish drying business

Ms. Meas Sarom is an entrepreneur at heart - always seeking further opportunities to build her business and create opportunities for her community around her. Thanks to the partnership between Cambodian microfinance institution Chamroeun and Good Return’s Impact Investment fund, women like Meas can access finance and technical support to build a sustainable business model and drive a women-led local economy.

Meas (48) has eight dependents, including her husband, two children, son-in-law, and three grandchildren. She is from Kampong Thom Province, Staung in Cambodia and owns her own business in the aquaculture value chain, raising and drying fresh fish, and then selling and distributing them at wholesale prices. Meas has two full-time employees and nine part-time employees, four of whom are women. 

After undertaking a fish raising training course with Chamroeun in early 2021, Meas decided it was the right time to expand her business. Ms. Sarom, imbued with entrepreneurial spirit, hoped to grow her business by raising her own fish to eventually be dried instead of buying fresh fish from other retailers.

“Meas’ ingenuity to raise her own fish will create further impact along the value chain as local fish farmers begin to compete with imported fish, bringing economic and employment growth to the local community”, says Chamroeun Microfinance.

Recognising Meas’s determination and passion, Chamroeun helped Meas access finance with a loan of US$40,000 further guaranteed by Good Return. 

“Meas was a perfect candidate to receive a Chamrouun-Good Return Loan. Her project builds financial inclusion and security, especially for women and helps the community compete with imported fish and provide local food security”, says Chamroeun Microfinance.

Meas was similarly pleased as she felt Chamroeun offered the most appropriate loan product for her needs. With her loan, Meas saw a positive impact on both her family and business, even when the pandemic caused  higher fish prices and less demand. Meas was now able to start raising her own fish and buy a larger car, increasing her distribution rate by doing less trips with more product. The loan also allowed her to hire two new employees.

Meas also seized the opportunity to undertake further business training provided by Chamroeun that helped her to understand the best methods to raise, process and sell fish. Chamroeun and Good Return believe loans work best when they are accompanied with the right training, ultimately fostering entrepreneurship and creating sustainable business models. 

Meas is paving the way as a Female Field champion of women-led agribusiness in her community. Equipped with new skills, she hopes to take a further loan in the future, especially if it is offered on flexible repayment schemes. Overall, Meas rated the loan from Chamroeun as ‘very effective’ (⅘) in regards to positively impacting her situation and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Find out how you can be part of our work to build the businesses of women like Meas.


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