#Nassau, May 9, 2019 – Bahamas – Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis officially opened a branch of the Small Business Development Centre at the Edmund Moxey Youth and Community Centre, specifically for residents in the area to access funding for economic empowerment.
He deemed opening the branch as part of his
government’s ambitious and broader Over-the-Hill Revitalization Programme.
Also, the SBDC is an intrinsic part of the six
pillars of the Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative which
are: Social Empowerment, Economic Empowerment, Rejuvenation, Smart Technology,
Green Technology, and Youth and Elderly Empowerment.
The opening of this branch of the SBDC took place
Wednesday, May 8, 2019, just hours after the injection of private sector
funding in the amount of $100,000 by businessman Mark
Holowesko. Before a packed community centre, the Prime Minister outlined
to residents several goals of the SBDC, which they can take advantage of.
These goals include economic development and
expansion for more Bahamians, the development of more small businesses and
empowering entrepreneurs, and youth and community development Over-the-Hill.
“These
goals share a single idea and objective, which is: One Bahamas for all
Bahamians,” said the Prime Minister.
This SBDC branch at the Edmund Moxey Youth and
Community Centre represents a dedicated location in the Over-the-Hill area as
it is easily accessible and within walking distance for the residents.
“This new branch will provide enhanced, hands-on
training with access to computers, and basic computer training through
collaboration with existing programs,” the Prime Minister said.
Beginning May 14, classes will be held at the
community centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 8 weeks between the hours of 6pm
– 8pm.
Topics will include community tourism; sessions on
taking advantage of concessions and financial management; and through a
partnership with the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute — trade and
entrepreneurship will be combined. The SBDC is also the product of a three-part
arrangement between the Government (through the Ministry of Finance), the
University of The Bahamas (UB) and the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and
Employers Confederation (BCCEC).
“I am very pleased that we are able to partner with
various businesses and companies in our program for social and economic renewal
and development,” the Prime Minister said.
He then informed that towards this end, the first
phase of the redevelopment of Southern Recreation Grounds is nearly complete,
thanks to $600,0000 which was donated by Albany Bahamas.
“I am advised that the redeveloped grounds will be
one of the sites on a proposed heritage tour for tourists,” he added.
Out of the SBDC is the Access Accelerator
initiative, which has four goals in mind:
1. To improve
the environment that enables small business to flourish;
2. To
increase direct financing to micro, small and medium enterprises;
3. To
create and promote innovative programmes to support MSMEs; and,
4. To
foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, with a particular focus on
marginalized groups.
In the past seven months, the SBDC has trained
nearly 500 people through its two-weeks of classes; provided almost 300
substantial hours with its one-on-one business advisory services and registered
over 3,500 people throughout The Bahamas. Fifty percent of those registered are
in New Providence.
“It is anticipated that with the launch of this
branch of the SBDC here this evening, this number will significantly increase
for New Providence.
“The vision of the Over-the-Hill initiative is to
see communities most of us originally hailed from, [become] thriving,
prospering, and revitalized,” the Prime Minister said.
He concluded: “Our mission and my mission is to
offer tangible hope and opportunity. Jobs and growth remain the
government’s primary focus.
“More Bahamians must feel the economic recovery in their pocketbooks and bank accounts.”
By Lindsay Thompson
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Prime Minister Minnis (at podium) officially opened a branch of the Small Business Development Centre at the Edmund Moxey Youth and Community Centre on Wednesday evening.
(BIS Photos/Yontalay Bowe)