Grand Bahama (Nov. 21, 2024) — The Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) proudly announced its partnership with Carnival Corporation to launch the inaugural Men in Business Programme. This groundbreaking initiative, which prioritizes support for male entrepreneurs, particularly in the Family Islands, underscores the commitment of both organizations to fostering inclusive economic development.

The partnership was unveiled aboard the Carnival Venezia in Grand Bahama, where Carnival Corporation announced its significant financial contribution to the programme. Special funding was allocated to support male entrepreneurs in Grand Bahama and Bimini, while additional funding opportunities were extended to men across The Bahamas through the SBDC's Men in Business Grant Programme. This collaboration reinforces the SBDC’s focus on empowering Family Island communities and ensuring equitable access to entrepreneurial resources, including mentorship and training.

"The Men in Business Programme is more than an initiative—it’s a lifeline for male entrepreneurs across The Bahamas, especially in our Family Islands," said SBDC Executive Director Samantha L. Rolle. "By providing targeted support, such as funding for Grand Bahama and Bimini entrepreneurs and mentorship through strategic partnerships, we are addressing critical gaps and unlocking potential. We are deeply grateful to Carnival Corporation for not only funding this initiative but for sharing our vision of empowering Bahamian entrepreneurs to thrive in a global economy."

The Men in Business Programme featured a comprehensive Business Blueprint Training Course, the dynamic EmpowerMEN Forum hosted on International Men’s Day (November 19), and the Gender Equality Survey. Together, these components addressed key challenges faced by male entrepreneurs and provided actionable insights to promote gender equity within the entrepreneurial landscape.

“Carnival Corporation is thrilled to be supporting this fantastic initiative. While striving to create memorable experiences for our guests, Carnival is only as successful as the strength of its destination partners, like The Bahamas, which have had a long-standing relationship with. While our plans are well under way for the building of our new $600 million dollar Celebration Key destination located in Grand Bahama, it is equally important to us that we help build the people and communities in the ports and destinations we call on. We thank the Small Business Development Center and other partners for collaborating with Carnival on this very important initiative.”

The success of the Men in Business Programme builds on the momentum of the SBDC's 2024 Women Entrepreneurs Initiative, which awarded more than $600,000 in funding to 79 Bahamian women. The initiative demonstrated the SBDC’s commitment to fostering economic growth through inclusive programming that prioritizes the unique needs of diverse groups within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As the Men in Business programme has closed for 2024, grant applications from participants are under review. The SBDC and its partners remain committed to supporting the growth and success of Bahamian entrepreneurs through innovative programmes like Men in Business.

For more information about the Men in Business Programme and how the SBDC can help entrepreneurs advance their businesses, please visit sbdcbahamas.com or contact (242) 461-7232.

About the Small Business Development Centre

The Small Business Development Centre provides access to expert guidance, resources and support for entrepreneurs with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in The Bahamas. Since 2018, the SBDC passionately fosters entrepreneurship and economic development through personalized consulting, dynamic training workshops, capital access, and networking opportunities. The SBDC is devoted to empowering dreams and fueling growth for entrepreneurs. For more information, visit sbdcbahamas.com or contact (242) 461-7232.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) has launched its Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Initiative, a program aimed at fostering inclusivity and equitable access for Bahamian entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Services, the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture, and the National Commission for People with Disabilities, the initiative provides tailored training, mentorship, and funding opportunities, including grants of up to $10,000.

The program integrates accessibility features such as ASL interpretation, screen reader-compatible materials, and hybrid workshops to ensure participation for individuals with visual or auditory disabilities.

SBDC Executive Director Samantha Rolle highlighted the lack of research on Bahamian entrepreneurs with disabilities, noting the need for data-driven support. She stated, “The SBDC is working to change this through our Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Survey. With input from the National Commission for People with Disabilities, we reached aspiring and existing entrepreneurs directly to better understand their needs and how we can serve them.”

Preliminary survey results reveal that 45% of participants are in the early startup phase, while others are in planning or established stages. Based on feedback, the program will offer live online and in-person workshops, hybrid masterclasses, and accessibility-focused additions to the standard Blueprint Training Course.

Beyond training, the SBDC will mentor 100 program participants and host the ENABLE Business Forum and Expo, which will guide corporate entities on how to better support entrepreneurs with disabilities. To conclude the initiative, grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to program participants to help develop their businesses.

Rolle noted that Inclusivity is a core goal for the SBDC in 2024, pointing out that the initiative increases visibility for entrepreneurs with disabilities and fosters an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. It’s about equitable access, amplifying talent, and creating meaningful social reform.”

The program launch coincides with the global observance of International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd, underscoring the SBDC’s commitment to empowering all Bahamians to succeed in business.

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