Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Exuma School receives $163,000 in funding through SBDC
#Exuma, May 29, 2019 – Bahamas – Through the work of the Access Accelerator Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) the second private school on the island of Exuma has successfully accessed $163,000 in investment funding.
Exuma Christian Academy (ECA) was founded in 2018 by educator and author Keniqua Burrows to expand educational opportunities on the island of Exuma. The school that educates children from pre-kindergarten levels up to grade 12, received $100,000 from the Bahamas Venture Fund, $30,000 in equity investment, $15,000 from the Bahamas Development Fund and $18,000 from the SBDC grant, making it the largest investment in the Family Islands through the SBDC to-date.
Burrows said that the idea for the school came to her three years ago.
“The the vision of Exuma Christian Academy came to me in a dream about three years ago. God showed me a vision of a different kind of school on the island,” said Burrows. “A school that was fun and stimulating and at the same time challenging, one that was willing to be as flexible as it takes to ensure children enjoy learning. The kind of school that children don’t feel like it is a chore to go to, that they enjoy and teaches them to be empowered, to be creative and try new things.”
Closed doors lead to Burrows, turning to the SBDC for assistance.
“I was thrust into the SBDC after looking for funding. I had approached several financial institutions, investment firms and small business persons. However, I discovered that there was not a whole lot of support for small businesses on the island,” said Burrows. “Particularly for schools, I got a lot of closed doors when it came to finding financing. It was through a recommendation from a businessman on Exuma that I did my research on the SBDC. He thought it would be a good option for the school. If it had not been for the closed doors, I probably never would have stumbled upon the SBDC.”
Now, having successfully accessed investment capital Burrows described it as a blessing and something that she does not take lightly as a woman operating a business.
“It’s a blessing, that’s the best way I can put it, it’s a blessing,” said Burrows. “Especially as a young woman, it is challenging for persons to take you seriously in business. So, it is a blessing. It’s breath-taking, refreshing. It is a relief. Most of all, I think it’s encouraging and inspiring. I know that many persons will be looking at it and they will feel like, if you can do this, I can do this as well.”
Executive Director of the SBDC Davinia Blair echoed Burrows sentiments; she was particularly happy that a Family Island small business had been given such a fantastic opportunity.
“ECA marks the first major investment to a business outside of New Providence and Grand Bahama,” said Blair. “For us, that is a big accomplishment because we don’t want the SBDC to be thought of as a programme for entrepreneurs who live in Nassau. The SBDC is for all Bahamians from the capital to each of the family islands. As we continue to set up classes on more islands, we are also utilising technology to ensure that entrepreneurs are connected and receiving the full experience of the SBDC.”
Blair was also particularly pleased that the access to funding ECA received will be an investment into improving The Bahamas’ human capital.
“This financing is a double investment. The funding will go far in growing the school but also, the knowledge, skills and experiences of Bahamians who will impact the country’s future,” said Blair. “If Bahamians are going to own more opportunities, they have to be educated, and this is a direct investment into the human capital of The Bahamas.”
Kendyce Ferguson, SBDC’s advisor to ECA, described the academy as revolutionary and expressed happiness to be a part of their growth.
“What Exuma Christian Academy is trying to accomplish is revolutionary. They want to change the way education is provided to students on the islands,” said Ferguson. “Sometimes the islands get a little neglected, and on Exuma, there is only one other private school option. We know that government schools face many challenges, so, there needs to be somebody to bridge the gap, and that is what the ECA is trying to accomplish. I’m just happy to be a part of the transformation of education on the island of Exuma.”
The SBDC is the product of a tripartite arrangement between the Government, through the Ministry of Finance, University of The Bahamas (UB) and the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employer’s Confederation (BCCEC). The Centre will work to guide the development, funding, growth, and evolution of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (“MSMEs”) in The Bahamas.
Release: Access Accelerator Small Business Development Centre
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.
Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is
inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.
This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.
The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.
The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.
“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the
nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.
“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”
The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.
Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.
Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice. Monument is made to celebrate, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.
NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady
Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.
CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.
The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.
Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.
“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.
Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.
“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the
Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.
“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.
Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.
“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top. In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla. Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.
The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.
For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.
Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable
Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.
The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.
Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.
Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.
“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.
Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.
“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.
CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.
For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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