When it comes to chasing your dreams, it sometimes takes a blend of determination, innovation, and a little bit of magic to transform your vision into reality. Philip Bodie’s journey with the Disney Grant Program offered by the Small Business Development Centre who partnered with Disney Cruise Line is a testament to this, and he was excited to share how this incredible opportunity has helped him take his unique business to new heights. “What initially motivated me to join the Disney Grant Programme was the promise of business zoom meetings designed to educate and inform entrepreneurs like myself. As a business owner with a rather distinct venture, I knew that I needed guidance to navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship. The program’s commitment to providing valuable knowledge and insights was a major draw.” As a small business owner, Philip understood the importance of having the financial means to invest in growth and development. This past summer, his business faced a unique challenge, which was the scorching heat and the need for upgrades to his solar setup. But amidst these challenges, Philip’s mobile arcade business on the beautiful island of Eleuthera continued to be a success. According to Philip, “Being a mobile arcade on Eleuthera has proven to be an absolute hit. I’ve had the pleasure of hosting unforgettable birthday parties and taking my arcade to homecomings and various outdoor social events. The joy and excitement on the faces of the kids as they immerse themselves in a world of video games is immeasurable. My business is truly one of a kind on the island.” One of the standout benefits of the Disney Grant Programme is the support it offers in terms of knowledge and funding.”I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone looking to expand their business, regardless of its current stage. The Small Business Development Center provides invaluable resources to help entrepreneurs achieve greater heights.” When he initially started the programme, Philip made mention that he operated his arcade from a trailer, equipped with seven televisions and eight video game systems. However, thanks to the funding received through the program, his business evolved, ” I’ve transitioned to a coaster bus, where the gaming experience can be both mobile and stationary. This upgrade has taken my business to the next level. With the funding, I purchased three cutting-edge gaming consoles that were considered state-of-the-art at the time. These consoles have been a huge hit, particularly since many of the kids on the island had never seen, let alone played on, such advanced gaming systems. It’s been a thrill to introduce them to this world of entertainment. Looking forward, my plans include updating the solar system in the bus to make it more efficient and environmentally friendly. The ability to harness solar power not only aligns with my commitment to sustainability but also ensures that my business can continue to thrive even in remote locations.” In conclusion, Philip noted that his journey with the Disney Grant Programme has been nothing short of remarkable. It has empowered him to grow his unique mobile arcade business, bringing joy and entertainment to the hearts of the young and young at heart on Eleuthera. Through education, funding, and unwavering support, this program has shown that dreams can come true, even in the most unexpected places. It’s proof that when you combine innovation with opportunity, you can truly make magic happen. So, if you’re an aspiring entrepreneur with a unique vision, take that leap of faith. The Disney Grant Programme might just be the pixie dust you need to turn your dreams into reality.

The Access Accelerator Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), in collaboration with Disney Cruise Line (DCL), is set to launch a social media campaign this week, aiming to highlight the triumphant strides of their partnership since 2020. With shared aspirations to uplift Eleuthera's entrepreneurial spirit, this partnership has been monumental for the small business sector.

The Eleuthera Busi- ness Hub, an exemplar of collaboration between the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce, SBDC, and DCL, has been a cornerstone for small businesses and entrepreneurial development in Central and South Eleuthera. DCL's dedication to this

venture shines through with

an investment of over $1 million across three years. This funding supported the establishment of the Eleuthera Business Hub and has aided various business development services, facilitating startups and small enterprises as the slate of Eleuthera's developmental projects continues to grow.

In collaboration with DCL, the SBDC has channeled over $175,000 in grants, impacting 34 businesses spanning various industries in Eleuthera.

Samantha Rolle, executive director of the SBDC, said, "We're thrilled about our ongoing collaboration with Disney. Through our flourishing partnership, we've launched programs like the Disney Grant and the Eleuthera Entrepreneurial Training Programme. These initiatives have championed 69 businesses, providing them with the resources and know-how to start and grow."

Joey Gaskins Jr., Disney Cruise Line's regional public affairs director, The Bahamas & Caribbean, said, "Disney Cruise Line's collaboration with SBDC over three years has been a resounding success. We've always aspired to uplift Eleuthera beyond job offerings, aiming for a stronger local economy and proprietorship opportunities for Eleutherans. Our engagement revealed a dire need for training, advisory, and financial services. Aligned with our corporate social responsibility pillars - community, culture, conservation, and economic opportunity - our joint venture with SBDC remains pivotal for fostering economic prospects. Looking ahead, as the opening of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is on the horizon, we believe our strengthened bond with SBDC will lead to more impactful results for small businesses in Eleuthera."

As both organizations continue their shared mission of fostering Bahamian ownership and fortifying the small business landscape, this partnership stands as a testament to what collab- oration, commitment, and community-driven goals can achieve. It remains a model that other communities might emulate to cultivate their entrepreneurial ecosystems.

To learn more about the programs and strategic partnership opportunities available through the SBDC, contact their offices at 461- SBDC (7232) or email info@ sbdcbahamas.com.

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation (BCCEC) is pleased to announce the return of its highly anticipated Annual Trade Expo this November.

The primary objective of this expo is to spotlight the diverse range of goods and services offered by the private sector, thereby fortifying the local business community, bolstering eco- nomic growth, expanding market reach, and fostering overall development.

The 2023 Trade Expo will take place on Saturday, November 4th, at Crypto Isle on East Bay Street from 10 am - 8 pm. Entry to the event is entirely free, and it promises a family-friendly atmosphere. Access Accelerator, Aliv Business and Crypto Isle have also partnered in support of the event.

BCCEC Chairman Khrystle Rutherford-Ferguson, commenting on the upcoming expo, said, "We are proud to reintroduce our trade show. The trade show will give our members and other interested businesses an opportunity to showcase their products and services. With the number of small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs growing, the BCCEC continues to look for opportunities to highlight innovation, talents, and expertise that exist in our local private sector."

She added, "Further, this initiative supports our mandate of encouraging economic growth. It also complements other events that we have hosted throughout the year which increase trade, provide net- working opportunities, and celebrate the vibrant and resiliency spirit of Bahamian businesses."

Leo Rolle, director of client advisory services at SBDC, noted that, "This initiative highlights the importance of partnerships and collaboration for the betterment of stakeholders, clients and the populace at large. We are most pleased to see the opportunity for entrepreneurs across a variety of industries being afforded the exposure, net- working and visibility made possible through this joint venture".

He lamented that, “The mantra of the SBDC remains focused on the evolution of Bahamian-led MSMEs and their social, economic and environmental impact on the economy. We are indeed proud that our collective efforts continue to make this mandate possible". Charnette Thompson, vice President of B2B innovations for Aliv Business stated, "We are thrilled to partner with both the Small Busi- ness Development Centre (SBDC) and the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation (BCCEC) in this 2023 Trade Expo. As the leader in fixed, mobile, and cloud solutions for MSMEs, we are dedicated to fostering innovation and growth. We also remain committed to supporting leaders and managers on their journey to build and grow their business."

More than 40 exhibitors are slated to be at the expo and will represent a diverse spectrum of sectors, offering a blend of both products and services. The selection will ensure a balanced representation, comprising both well-established large companies and smaller, yet recognized and emerging brands.

This edition marks the third installment of the BCCEC's Trade Expo and notably is the first expo since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To learn more about the services offered by the BCCEC and their upcoming events, contact their offices at 242-322-2145 or email info@thebahamaschamber.com