B.V.I. Monday, October 12 – Government is getting help from the Caribbean Development Bank to revitalise the micro enterprise sector in the Territory.
Two officials from the CDB’s Private Sector Development Division will visit the Territory next week to conduct a needs assessment.
The visit follows a request submitted to the bank by Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE in which he solicited the CDB’s support in providing technical assistance and financing for Government’s Micro Enterprise Development Programme.
In its response to this correspondence, the CDB underscored the importance of a vibrant small business sector in economic development and mentioned the possibility of technical assistance through its Caribbean Technological Consultancy services (CTCS) Network Programme.
This programme is designed to enhance skills, transfer technology and build operational capacity, allowing beneficiaries to better respond to market opportunities.
The Small Business Bureau is coordinating the visit by the CDB officials and Head of that unit, Ms. Yvonne Crabbe told the Department of Information and Public Relations, they will focus on identifying technical assistance needs of micro enterprises. “During the supervisory visit, the officials will examine programmes geared towards the small business sector and attempt to determine how the CDB’s technical assistance can assist small and medium enterprises in the Territory,” she said.
The CDB officials expected here are Portfolio Manager, Mr. Peter Blackman and Investment Officer Mr. Michael Thomas. While here, they will meet with local entrepreneurs on Tortola, Government representatives and private stakeholders as well as conduct site visits to various businesses on Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
Local entrepreneurs wishing to participate in the October 22 meeting are urged to contact the Small Business Bureau for more information and to complete the registration form.
The Small Business Bureau functions as an advocate for programmes that address the issues affecting small businesses in the Territory. Its duties include ensuring that businesses obtain the required assistance, training and counselling through extensive training programmes, motivational seminars and workshops designed to empower entrepreneurs to develop better business practices.
British Virgin Islands News