PM congratulates first graduates of Small Business Development Program

Tue, Jul 30th 2019, 04:00 PM

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis congratulated the first graduates of the Over-the-Hill component of the Small Business Development program, aimed at economic empowerment.

The ceremony was held at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Edmund Moxey Community Centre, Baillou Hill Road, on Monday, July 29, 2019, after about 8 weeks of training for the 18 graduates.

“Tonight is a wonderful and momentous evening for you. It does my heart good to be here with a group of striving Bahamians who are embarked on pursuing their dreams and building better lives, which is what we should all strive to do. Thank you for the privilege of letting me be a part of this evening. Your success is the country’s success. I am personally very proud of you as a Bahamian and as prime minister,” he told the graduates.

The Prime Minister referred to the graduates as hard working men and women, between the ages 19 to 60, who decided to improve their lives and the lives of their communities by taking advantage of the Over-the-Hill component of the Small Business Development program. The program includes training and grant money for business people, specifically in the targeted economic zoned areas. The graduates studied how to create a business plan, marketing, finances, client and customer relations, Inland Revenue systems and much more.

“All of this was designed in order for you to take advantage of current and new business opportunities, some of which may come from your close proximity to all that your government is doing to revitalize Downtown Nassau,” the Prime Minister said.

“Tonight we celebrate success and new possibilities,” he went on. “We celebrate the graduates of this program and their families. Tonight’s ceremony brings both of these dreams together in the lives of tonight’s graduates.”

He singled out those who went beyond the basic requirements like Ranesha Dean, Elkym Bowe, Nadia Bevans and Vincess Williams, who died before completing the program.

“All of you are an inspiration to all of us! You have blessed us with your determination and your spirit,” the Prime Minister said, and he also expressed sadness over the death of Williams.

He deemed it a privilege for his government to create this doorway of opportunity for barbers and beauticians, creative artisans and craft makers, and for landscapers, mechanics, car washers and other enterprising Bahamians.

“This wonderful group was determined to finish strong and to finish together,” he said.

The Over-the-Hill is an area of tremendous history for The Bahamas; even for the Prime Minister, a product of that environment in Bain Town.

“Over the years, free people of colour from areas like Bain Town and Grants Town, created an impressive network of enterprises and businesses as they overcame centuries of discrimination,” the Prime Minister noted.

He continued that once afforded an opportunity and access to things like capital, mentoring and training, individuals with ideas and talent, who are determined to work hard, could soar to new heights and a better future.

“I know this is true from personal experience. Just like the graduates, I was able to realize my dreams because others believed in me and gave me a chance,” the Prime Minister said.

“This is why the Small Business Centre and the revitalization of Over-the-Hill are dear to my heart,” he said.

He then urged small businesses with relevant products and services to take advantage of the redevelopment of Downtown Nassau, Prince George Wharf, Western Esplanade, Arawak Cay, and Junkanoo Beach.

To date, the SBDC Access Accelerator has provided over $1 million dollars in funding to small businesses. This cohort will access $45,000 in grant funding, which was donated by businessman Mark Holowesko, as part of a larger $100,000 grant.

“I thank Mark for his generosity and his spirit of community service and involvement,” the Prime Minister reiterated.

The Small Business Development Center is part of a tri-partnership that also includes the University of The Bahamas and the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation.

 

Prime Minister Minnis addresses first graduates of the Over-the-Hill component of the Small Business Development program at Edmund Moxey Community Centre, Baillou Hill Road, July 29, 2019.

Photos/Yontalay Bowe)

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