Dominican microfinance institution Banco Adopem has honored female entrepreneurs Lefia Reyes and Elsa Gomez for their leadership and perseverance at the Vision Emprendedora business forum in Santo Domingo.
The awards were presented during an industry event focused on financial culture and capital access, where Banco Adopem executive president Mercedes Canalda de Beras-Goico highlighted the crucial role of financial education for sustainable business growth.
Speaking on a panel titled Entrepreneurial financial culture: how to attract capital without dying in the attempt, Canalda de Beras-Goico said that granting credit is only one part of supporting business owners. She stated that the bank's purpose is to create opportunities for people to strengthen their enterprises, generate sustainable income, and improve their quality of life.
Canalda de Beras-Goico emphasized that financial institutions should accompany entrepreneurs not only with funding, but also with training, advice, and management tools. She explained that such support allows business owners to make informed decisions and build more resilient, competitive operations.
Recognition of female entrepreneurs
As part of the gathering, Banco Adopem formally recognized Reyes, a teacher, and Gomez, who works in the demolition sector, for their career trajectories, perseverance, and contributions to Dominican entrepreneurship.
The bank distinguished both women as inspiring examples of effort and resilience for other female business owners seeking to expand their operations. According to Banco Adopem, the recognition reaffirms its commitment to boosting female entrepreneurship and showcasing the positive economic impact of micro-enterprises on Dominican families.
Financial inclusion in the Dominican Republic
Banco Adopem, formally known as Banco de Ahorro y Credito ADOPEM, is a microfinance institution based in Santo Domingo that provides banking services and loans to micro-entrepreneurs across the Dominican Republic. The Vision Emprendedora conference was organized by Revista Mercado, a prominent Dominican business publication, bringing together executives, experts, and leaders from the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Banco Adopem stated that through its participation in the forum, it aims to continue promoting financial inclusion by fostering spaces for dialogue, learning, and experience sharing that contribute to the country's economic and social development.
