Go Fish: Andy's Fishing Enterprise
Just because you love living a more traditional rural lifestyle, doesn’t mean you have to give up your dream of business ownership.
Andy Francis’ fishing enterprise allows him to live the life of his dreams, while providing for his young family and the community.
Andy has been involved in the fishery all his life, and in 2020, he decided to take the plunge and purchase his own fishing enterprise. A Core Level II fisherman, which means he’s completed a wide variety of training and has many years on the water, Andy purchased a fishing license from a retiring fisherman in Area 12 on the southwest coast of the island.
“It feels like stability and a sense of accomplishment. There’s a different meaning to it when you own it yourself,” he says.
A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
For Andy, being his own boss is a dream come true. He enjoys the freedom to make his own choices and the stability that comes with owning his own business. He also feels a sense of accomplishment and pride in his work and is committed to supporting his community as well.
He buys supplies from local businesses wherever possible and donates a portion of his catch to local charities and groups..
Andy's success story is also tied to his willingness to look for opportunities outside of the traditional way of doing business. With the help of CBDC Gateway, he accessed two loan programs - the CBDC Youth Loan and the First-Time Entrepreneur Loan. Because he was able to get this financing, he could start his business and become the successful entrepreneur and valuable member of his community that he is today.
The CBDC Youth Loan supports young entrepreneurs aged 18-34, while the First-Time Entrepreneur Loan helps businesses who need financial support for start-up costs, equipment, and other assets. These and other programs are available to people throughout the province through regional CBDCs. If you’re ready to start your own business, get in touch with your local CBDC and discover how we can help you build the business - and the life - you dream of.