NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), in collaboration with UNESCO, The Bahamas Baptist Union of Churches, and the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture, has announced the launch of its Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative. The program is designed to educate, empower, and fund both existing and aspiring Bahamian entrepreneurs. Open to entrepreneurs across New Providence and the Family Islands, this initiative promotes creating uniquely Bahamian products using natural elements found in the Bahamas. Its focus is on enhancing the tourism industry through products embodying Bahamian culture’s essence. The initiative includes “Crafting the Bahamas Workshops,” which offer hands-on, creative sessions where participants collaborate with experts to create items such as body soaps, necklaces, headbands, and picture frames. These workshops highlight and utilize natural Bahamian materials, fostering a deeper connection to the local environment and culture. Additionally, the Business Blueprint Training Course (August 5 – 25) is crucial to the initiative, equipping participants with essential business skills. Topics covered include business incorporation, intellectual property protection, online store setup, financial accounting software, and securing funding through grants, loans, or equity. This training ensures that creative entrepreneurs can effectively protect and grow their businesses. To further support entrepreneurial efforts, the SBDC will offer a standalone grant to participants who complete the Business Blueprint Training Course and meet other eligibility criteria. This grant aims to provide crucial financial assistance to help launch or expand their businesses, ensuring sustainability and growth. “The Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative underscores our commitment to nurturing the unique talents and resources of The Bahamas. By focusing on products that are inherently Bahamian, we not only preserve our cultural heritage but also create opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive in the tourism market,” said SBDC Executive Director Samantha L. Rolle. “Tourists are constantly seeking authentic experiences, and what better way to offer that than through products crafted with Bahamian elements and creativity.” The Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative is poised to significantly impact the local economy by equipping Bahamian entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and support necessary for success. This initiative celebrates the rich cultural heritage of The Bahamas and positions it as a key player in the global market through unique, handcrafted products.   Article Source: Eyewitness News

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has launched the Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative to help creatives learn skills that can be utilized in the tourism sector. “We just had 30,000 visitors to our shores on Sunday, so we are looking at a lot of our cruise ships, and they are saying that not many authentic Bahamian products can be found in the stores,” said Eureka Smith, SBDC’s corporate communications manager. “A lot of the products are Chinese made, so what we are trying to do is create an initiative giving some of our people a benchmark for hands-on experience, so they can create their own products.” The Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative begins on August 5, and ends on August 25. It will ask participants to sign up and complete a craft-making workshop of their choice, as a prerequisite to apply for up to $10,000 in grant funding. “We’ve launched a few initiatives this past month, with jewelry making, with soap making, baking, and with creating face masks, to give our participants some skills and some things that they can do benefit themselves. If they want to launch a career in it, it will be another form of income for them, knowing they have something that they can do,” Smith said. She continued: “We had 300 persons who registered [for a crafting workshop], and we had to turn some people away, because we didn’t have sufficient space to accommodate them. This happened in Nassau and also the Family Islands. We had Long Island, Cat Island, Abaco, Exuma and Grand Bahama. “We for sure will be launching other initiatives like Crafting of The Bahamas. We had jewelry making, and we had people from the community come in and teach students how to make jewelry, how to make headbands, and how to make soap, candles and bake. This is just the first part of it.” The second part of the initiative will take participants into the classroom, where they will learn about the business of craft-making. “They will learn how to set up their business and even learn to build it from where it’s at, and this is where the trainers will come in,” Smith noted.   Article Source: The Nassau Guardian

Every success story begins with a moment of inspiration, and an unwavering determination to pursue one’s dreams. For Samantha and her budding venture, Eleuthera’s Cleaning Services, this journey started with a single message from a friend and led to remarkable growth and community empowerment.

The journey was guided by a powerful motto: “If you don’t get out there and do something for yourself, it will not fall in your lap. Everyday I have to tell myself to get up, get out there, look and see what’s needed. Try not to copy and paste from others; re-invent the wheel. Do not tell everyone about your plans until they are complete.” These words of wisdom reflect her selfdriven nature and the importance of maintaining confidentiality until goals are achieved. Eleuthera’s Cleaning Services stands out in the cleaning industry for its innovative approach. Sam shared insights about her business, stating, “Most cleaning companies only clean for private homes, rentals, and office spaces. However, we cater to local residents, people like you and me, who also need a break from house cleaning. Our vision is to bring on younger individuals within the community who need a little extra money on the weekends or those who
do not have the opportunity to go off to college. We want to mentor, train, and help such individuals.” This unique vision not only benefits Sam’s business but also fosters entrepreneurship within her community.

Many are hesitant to venture into programs due to the negativity surrounding them. When asked what motivated her to join the Disney Grant Programme, she shared, “I have never been one to participate in programs because I have often heard negative talks. However, one of my good friends messaged me and said, ‘Sam, you just started your cleaning business and I know you could use a little help.’ I was still skeptical, but I said to myself, ‘Hey, give it a shot. If it works out, it was meant to be, if it does not work out, there’s always another day and another way.'” Since receiving funding through the Disney Programme, Sam’s business has undergone
significant evolution. She can now offer additional services such as lawn and garden care, expanding her scope beyond traditional cleaning services. The funding also facilitated the purchase of a new laptop, improving her financial management and marketing efforts.As Sam continues her entrepreneurial journey, she has ambitious goals for the future. She hopes to purchase three vehicles to serve clients in different regions of Eleuthera, expanding her business beyond the island, and establishing a foundation to provide scholarships and assistance to others.

To those considering joining a program like the Disney Grant Programme, Sam offers the advice:
“I would say, unless you try something for yourself, please do not make your decisions based on discussions from others. Use yourself as the guinea pig. If it works, great; if it doesn’t work, make notes, start over, evaluate yourself.” Her experience emphasizes the significance of personal experience and learning through trial and error. Sam’s story with Eleuthera’s Cleaning Services exemplifies the power of determination, innovation, and community involvement. Through her journey with the Disney Grant Programme, she has not only expanded her business but also created opportunities for young individuals in her community.

Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of taking risks, staying motivated, and giving back to the community.