Hello,

I am Bakhva Gasviani, an entrepreneur from one of the beautiful regions of Georgia—Lechkhumi, specifically Kulbaki. In Kulbaki, I own a trout farm and am a pioneer in producing organic fish feed in Georgia. If you haven't visited Green Lake yet, I highly recommend experiencing the beauty of this remarkable place.

I would like to share how my idea became a reality with the support of Sweden and Austria through the European Union. The assistance from these countries has significantly improved our work, and I want to share a few words about this excellent opportunity.

I remember it like it was yesterday. In 2019, with the support of the European Union, Sweden, and Austria, a grant competition was announced to promote organic farming in the highland regions of Georgia within the framework of the GRETA project. I learned about it from the local municipality and was so interested that I decided to get involved. Moreover, the project covered our region as well. After the information meeting, I wrote the project according to the instructions, describing my idea and plans in detail. After the specified time, I received a joyful letter that I had obtained funding and became a project beneficiary. 

In today's reality, local fish feed production is vital for the local salmon farming industry. Until now, this sector has been heavily reliant on fish feed imports. Without intending to be critical, I have often encountered resistance that caused fish food to spoil. Factors such as long transportation and unfavourable storage conditions ultimately rendered the food unusable. However, this problem is no longer an obstacle today. More opportunities have emerged. Through this endeavour, I am not only able to provide for my consumption but also sell organic fish food to other producers. Thanks to the support of donors, I have acquired the equipment for fish feed production. As a result, my business is growing and is considered a promising venture in the region.

I won't hide that knowledge was as crucial as the equipment in this endeavour. Donors' supported training sessions provided to us entrepreneurs during this period were invaluable, enhancing our effectiveness in practice.

The assistance from the European Union, Sweden, and Austria in establishing marketing strategies and market connections was also crucial in ensuring our development was on the right track. I am actively focused on improving our packaging and branding efforts, which has highlighted the need to strengthen our marketing direction even further.

 If you were to ask about the impact of the assistance received within the mentioned project, I would emphasise that it has brought about significant changes. It enabled me to address the most crucial issue, resulting in a more comprehensive, independent, and growing activity. Additionally, it provided me with a broader perspective for the long term and made conducting business activities easier.

 According to today's data, I can proudly state that the volume of both my primary and additional activities has tripled. Beyond the numbers, what matters to us most is that our work has become more accessible, we have become more efficient, and we are looking toward the future with hope. 

We all face our challenging paths and accumulate experiences along the way, which we strive to share with others. That is why determination is the most crucial factor. Without the will and purposeful mindset, nothing can be achieved. Additionally, having the right vision and a team united around a shared goal are essential prerequisites for the success of any business. Regardless of the assistance an entrepreneur receives, if they fail to consider these aspects, in my opinion, that support may suddenly disappear.

I would also like to share my modest plans with you. I aspire to expand my production so that I can employ local individuals in this area, thereby making a small contribution to its development and economic strengthening. I believe that we can achieve greater success by working together.

For those who are interested in salmon farming, experience sharing, or exploring new business opportunities, we are always available for contact through our social platform - „Kulbaki Green Lake “

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With the support of the European Union, Sweden and Austria, 68 small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in the highland region of Georgia have received substantial assistance for their business development.

Take advantage of the upcoming success stories, where incredibly fascinating people will share their experiences with us.

Project GRETA | "Green Economy: Sustainable Mountain Tourism and Organic Agriculture" is implemented by the Austria Development Agency in Georgia with the support of the European Union, Austria, and Sweden. The project aims to improve the business environment and create new income opportunities in two important sectors of the Georgian economy, mountain tourism and organic agriculture. Find more about the GRETA project here: www.gretaproject.ge

This material has been produced with the assistance of the European Union, Sweden, and Austria, within the framework of the GRETA project.  Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Austrian Development Agency /GRETA Project and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, Sweden, or Austria.

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