Cable Bahamas Business Solutions (CBBS) and Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) are delighted to announce the continued success of "The Corporate Connection," radio talk show, where they shine a spotlight on startup and existing entrepreneurs and businesses, contributing to the growth and vibrancy of the local business community.

"The Corporate Connection" has become a highly anticipated platform for entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses in The Bahamas to share their inspiring stories, innovative ideas, and experiences with a broader audience. Hosted by prominent representatives from Cable Bahamas Business Solutions and the SBDC, the show aims to encourage entrepreneurship, foster networking opportunities, and promote eco- nomic development across the region.

POW! Pancakes, Omelets & Waffles Ltd., was the latest business to be featured during the morning show appearance on Y98. POW! was founded by Xavia Rolle- Higgs in 2017. The organization has rapidly gained popularity for its delectable and creatively crafted pan- cakes, omelets, and waffles, earning a loyal customer base and garnering attention across multiple social media platforms. Through the unwavering support and resources provided by the SBDC, "POW!" has overcome challenges, expanded its operations to include a brick- and-mortar establishment, and solidified its position as a prominent player in the local food and beverage industry.

"I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support we have received from SBDC,” commented Rolle- Higgs. "Their expertise, resources, and encouragement have been instrumental in turning my passion for cooking into a thriving business venture. We are also thankful to Cable Bahamas Business Solutions. Their cutting-edge technology and reliable internet connectivity have been vital in enhancing our online presence, streamlining our operations, and reaching a wider customer base. With CBBS by our side, we feel empowered to navigate the digital landscape and grow our business to new heights,: she continued.

The SBDC is committed to supporting the growth and sustainability of local businesses and plays a crucial role in identifying promising entrepreneurs within their Guaranteed Loan Programme and fund- ed client base to be featured on the show. They provide guidance, resources, and encouragement to these entrepreneurs, ensuring they make the most of this valuable opportunity.

"As a supporter of entrepreneurship, the SBDC takes great pride in connecting entrepreneurs with the right platform to share their stories and inspire others," said Michaela Munnings, corporate communications manager. "We believe that sharing experiences and knowledge is instrumental in nurturing a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem."

Each month, the show features a diverse lineup of guests, ranging from emerging entrepreneurs to seasoned business leaders, from various industries. These dynamic entrepreneurs have the chance to

discuss their ventures, challenges faced, milestones achieved, and the impact they're making in their respective sectors.

CBBS, the leading technology provider, has been instrumental in powering local businesses like "POW!" with its online presence and digital capabilities. Through its reliable and high-speed internet connectivity, CBBS enables seamless online ordering, efficient communication with customers, and enhanced digital marketing efforts for the business.

"We are thrilled to see the tremendous growth and success of 'POW and take great pride in being a part of their journey," said Jennifer Basden, Head of Marketing for B2B Innovations. "Our mission is to empower local businesses with cutting-edge technology and digital solutions, and it's inspiring to witness the positive impact it has on entrepreneurs like "POW!"

"The Corporate Connection" airs once monthly on Y98.7 at 8:30 am. To learn more about the show or inquire about becoming a featured guest, please contact 461-SBDC.

Cable Bahamas Business Solutions (CBBS) and the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) and partnered with the Fox Hill Festival Committee for the second event in their Level Up series. Level Up is a quarterly training work- shop designed to empower startup and existing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) throughout The Bahamas.

This partnership was birthed out of the committee’s desire to expand the events surrounding the annual historic Fox Hill Festival and Junkanoo Rush out in celebration of its 35th year, to now include a personal development com- ponent that will build the community and empower its residents.

"Our mission is to address the total needs of all Fox Hillians by empowering all generations to improve their personal, social, financial and physical status, while maintaining the strong cultural fabric of our unique historical community," said Georgette Gardiner, executive member of the Fox Hill Festival Committee. "This partnership with Cable Bahamas and the SBDC for Level Up marks our first community outreach initiative for 2023." The event, held on Saturday, June 10th at the Fox Hill Community Centre, drew almost 100 attendees including Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers, Fox Hill residents, existing business owners and budding entrepreneurs. The presenters included subject matter experts from the SBDC, CBBS, Department of Inland Revenue, National Workers Cooperative Credit Union (NWCCU), the Central Bank's Sand Dollar Unit and Island Pay.

In her opening remarks at the event, Samantha Rolle, executive director of the SBDC, noted that the Level Up workshop is a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to take their businesses to new heights. "We are excited to work alongside Cable Bahamas Business Solutions and the Fox Hill Festival Committee to bring Level Up II to the Fox Hill community. We understand the challenges that they face and believe that providing the right resources and knowledge is essential for success. We believe that our workshop will be a transformative experience, equipping participants with the skills and confidence they need to level up their business," Rolle added.

Director of B2B Innovations Delmaro Duncombe, shared similar sentiments to Rolle, stating that the partnership with the SBDC was the ideal match. "Our collective aim is to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing aspiring business owners with the knowledge, resources and connections they need to succeed. These series of workshops serve as a platform for learning, growth, and collaboration, enabling participants to overcome challenges and achieve their entrepreneurial goals."

Cable Bahamas Business Solutions and the Small Business Development Centre are fully committed to providing much-needed resources and support to MSMEs in The Bahamas. To this end, plans are under- way for Level Up III to be held in Grand Bahama this September. Both organizations are excited to take this dynamic workshop to the nation's second city, giving Grand Bahamian business owners greater access to the tools and support needed to succeed in today's constantly changing business environment.

For more information about the Level Up entrepreneurial training workshop, contact the SBDC via email at marketing@sbdcbahamas.com or phone 461-SBDC.

Nassau, Bahamas: Interim Deputy Executive Director of the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), Phyllice Bethel, led a delegation to Washington, D.C. for a four-day mission last week. With the goal of identifying viable international opportunities for Bahamian business owners and building strategic relationships, Ms. Bethel and her delegation attended the DC Chamber of Commerce 2023 Small Business Summit and held various meetings with leading entrepreneurial agencies and local government representatives. 

When asked about the idea behind the mission, Bethel said, "We are simply continuing our mandate of equipping and empowering Bahamian MSMEs to maximize their full potential. In doing so, we want to provide the best opportunities, both local and international, for our clients and the wider business community at large."

The mission was organized by the team at SBDC Bahamas and in the months leading up to trip, members of the delegation met with Ms. Alarice Grant, Consul at Bahamas Embassy Consular Annex and members of the DC Chamber of Commerce to discuss the formation of a strategic partnership, joint programme opportunities and numerous ways to connect the Bahamian MSME sector with the widespread entrepreneurial network in DC and nearby state.

Highlights of the mission trip included courtesy calls on Ambassador Wendall Jones, Ambassador Chet Neymour and the Organization of American States (OAS), The Bahamas Embassy Consular Annex and the Deputy Mayor's Office of Planning & Economic Development.

The mission's itinerary also took the delegation on a tour of the Small Business Development Center at Howard University, and the DC Chamber of Commerce where discussions were held on training programmes, entrepreneurial apprenticeships and international exposure for Bahamian entrepreneurs to the DC market via the 2024 Small Business Summit.

The trip concluded with a forum titled "202 to 242" hosted by The Bahamas Consular Annex and the SBDC to connect Bahamian entrepreneurs in the vicinity with each other, the SBDC and The Bahamas Consular to strengthen their network and provide additional support to expand their business. Ambassador Wendall Jones pledged his support with championing the mission and mandate of the SBDC to provide Bahamians (both locally and internationally) access to tools and entrepreneurial training as they become available.

The mission trip has reaped immediate benefits through a partnership between the SBDC and OAS which allows Bahamian women entrepreneurs access to NASDAQs Milestone Circles, a 12-week mentorship programme which enables small businesses to tackle their biggest challenges through access to a supportive network of mentors and resources to help them grow and thrive.

Bethel further noted that with such a strong economy, large access to resources and investors and a diverse workforce, Washington DC is an ideal hub for Bahamian startups and existing business owners to forge partnerships with seasoned, successful organizations, access their networks and build a sustainable entrepreneurial future.

The SBDC expresses thanks and sincere gratitude to the Consular General and his team at The Bahamas Consulate in Washington, D.C. for their hospitality and support with this recent mission and looks forward to a fruitful, long-term partnership with the small business community and Bahamian diaspora in D.C. and other neighbouring states.