How to start a business in the Dominican Republic and not die trying?

In the Dominican Republiche entrepreneurship has ceased to be a dream reserved for a brave few and has become a realistic and viable path for those who want to create their own business, add value to their community and build economic independence.

Events like GROW 2025organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Production of Santo Domingo, reflect this new business mentality, providing support, training and connections strategic to entrepreneurs and MSMEs.

During this second edition of GROWthree prominent voices shared their experiences, knowledge and advice about what entrepreneurship in the country really entails: José Miguel Checodirector of Links Training; Santiago MejiaCommercial Registrar Lawyer at the Chamber of Commerce; and Elsa Turull de Almaexecutive vice president of Larimar Films.

Through their testimonies, a clear guide and realistic about how to materialize a business idea, and what it takes to achieve it and sustain it over time.

What should an entrepreneur in the DR do to start his project?

He first step It is recognizing that you do not need to have everything figured out or large amounts of money to start. José Miguel Checo emphasizes that the most common mistake is to think that the entrepreneurship must start with a strong investment.

“The ideal is to start as small as possible and try things” he says. “The biggest mistake a person makes entrepreneur today today, both in our country and globally, is to think that you need a lot of money to take the first steps.

Often, the initial capital can be minimal if you bet on the bootstrappingthat is, self-financing the project with one’s own income.

“If you can start with self-financingalthough it takes you a little more time, the ideal is that when you decide look for investment you already have one solid structure that demonstrates well what you are doing,” Checo suggests.

The importance of formalization: legal structure and support

Although many think that formalizing a business is expensive or complicated, today the processes have been simplified thanks to digitization.

For Santiago MejiaCommercial Registrar of the Chamber of Commerce, the formalization is the first big step for any entrepreneur: “The first step It is to formalize, that is, to create the company. And secondly, have enough humility to recognize that you do not know everything and seek advice“.

Establish a company, for example, as a Limited Liability Company (SRL), involves drafting statutes, registering them and obtaining the commercial registry. This legally enables the entrepreneur to operate.

[object HTMLTextAreaElement] — Santiago Mejía, Commercial Registrar of the Chamber of Commerce. (**FREE DIARY / MATÍAS BONCOSKY**)

“People think that entrepreneurship is expensivebut it is more expensive not be formalized“he states Mejiaand emphasizes that “the main obstacles are mental: wrong beliefs that keep people from starting.”

From idea to business: the customer at the center of everything

One of the most critical elements in any entrepreneurship It is understanding the client. For Checo, many entrepreneurs They fail because they focus more on the product than on the real need that they solve.

“Normally, the entrepreneur falls in love with his product, develops it, polishes it and thinks that, just by having built it, the clients will arrive“, he warns. “But the not really It’s like that. We have to understand the context in which consumption occurs. “Why does a person decide to buy?”

To undertake is to observe. “A very simple exercise: when you see advertisementsask yourself what need they are trying to satisfy,” Checo proposes, pointing out that the good entrepreneur detects opportunities where others only see routine.

Overcome fear, stand firm and don’t give up

The story of Elsa Turull de Almafounder of Larimar Filmsis an example of how a clear vision and persistent can become a solid and recognized company. It started with a small office and borrowed furniture, but with a clear direction and unbreakable passion.

“Don’t wait for everything is perfect. Start however you can. But start without fear. Only then can you build something real and lasting,” he says.

His advice to those who feel that their environment does not believe in his project is direct: “You vision not It has to be understood by everyone. The less you share your plans with those who do not understand your purpose, the better.”

For Elsa, the key is in three words: learn, grow and stay. In his speech during GROW 2025 He expressed it like this:

“I learned that it is essential grow with a solid structureprotected and supported… Starting a business is not easy, but whoever is afraid is not an entrepreneur. And if you don’t reinvent yourself, you don’t stay.”

Common mistakes and learnings

In the entrepreneurial process, mistakes are inevitable, but they are also a source of learning. “Every mistake is one more step towards where we want arrive,” he said Turull. Both she and Checo agree that setbacks teach more than any workshop or conference.

A common mistake is not validating the idea with the market. Czech recommends designing simple exercises to understand the customer before launching the product or service. “If you can find that customer niche, then you can correctly formulate a proposal, whether for attract investors or even to start on your own.

Success stories: vision + execution = results

A local example that stands out is I Eat Sushia company that transformed a foreign product (sushi) in a dominicanized experience and close. “They don’t just sell sushi. They sell a concept“, explains Checo. “From the moment you open the menu, you are already experiencing something different. “Everything is designed to connect with the local public.”

This type of innovation, based on a deep understanding of the customer and careful execution, marks the difference in a market competitive.

Keys to sustain: structure, team and evolution

Staying in time requires more than a good idea: it requires structureplanning and evolution constant. Turull sums it up like this: “To stayone has to turn together with him market. “He who does not reinvent himself, does not remain.”

It also emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with competent professionals: “Rely on talents that strengthen you. Surround yourself with professionals who give you back legal, accounting and administrative. Because the mistakes cost“.

How long does it take to see results?

Although the expectation of results immediate is common, the reality is different. According to Mejia“There are businesses that can begin to bear fruit after a year. It all depends on the type of companyof the marketthe business model and the effort dedicated to it”.

The message is clear: there are no shortcuts to success. As Checo points out: “Entrepreneurship is a long-term path. The success stories that we know are often the result of 10, 15 or 25 years of work“.

Size doesn’t matter, vision does

Dominican Republic are experiencing a new wave of entrepreneurshippromoted by institutions such as the Chamber of Commerceevents like GROW and entrepreneurs determined to leave their mark.

Whether it is a film production company, a sushi restaurant or a digital store, the beginning are the same: know the client, formalize, learn of mistakes, be patient and not lose passion.

As Elsa expressed Turull in his inspiring closing: “In the end, it’s not about the size of your company, but the size of your vision. Learn with purpose. Grow boldly and remain with passion. An entrepreneur can never lose passion“.

Are ready to start your own path entrepreneur in DR?

Dominican journalist with experience in print and digital written media. Trained in the area of digital marketing and digital journalism. He also has experience in television.

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