The Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) is more than just an institution, it's a beacon for entrepreneurial aspirations. Through its flagship Guaranteed Loan Programme (GLP), the SBDC aims to nurture and fortify the entrepreneurial ecosystem, granting startup and existing MSMEs unparalleled access to grant, loan, and equity funding.

This month marks the inception of a vibrant social media campaign dedicated to:

Elevating the public's awareness of the Guaranteed Loan Programme;

Demystifying the eligibility criteria and application processes;

Championing MSMEs with groundbreaking solutions, from inception to realization;

Emphasizing the program's geographical diversity, particularly through family island endorsements;

Celebrating existing financial institutions (FIs) and broadening the SBDC's collaboration horizons.

By spotlighting real businesses and genuine success stories, the SBDC reiterates its authenticity and dedication. As businesses are greenlighted under the GLP, their stories become a testament to the program's impact.

This release celebrates the initial roster of businesses that have been featured in the GLP campaign.

Pancakes, Omelets & Waffles (POW!): Founded by Xavia Higgs-Rolle, POW! evolved from a pop-up business in 2017, targeting the food-deficient regions of eastern New Providence. The enterprise will soon be gracing the One East Plaza with a wholesome and nutritious menu. Funding acquired: $165,000 through Fidelity Bank.

Crystal Cleaning Company: A local cleaning product magnate founded by Chemical Engineering aficionado, Eugene Beckford. Having undergone rebranding, the company's new manufacturing plant promises greater product yield. Funding acquired: $60,000 through Fidelity Bank.

MATLD Fishing Company: This Mangrove Cay, Andros-based startup is the brainchild of the Bannister siblings. Lashan Bannister's leadership in this male-predominated sector distinguishes the venture. Funding acquired: $320,000 through Fidelity Bank.

Sign Island: A subsidiary of the Island Network Group, this marketing powerhouse was conceptualized by Nkosi Symonette in 2017. Catering to an array of brands, they specialize in brand identity, creation, and promotion. Funding acquired: $420,000 through Fidelity Bank.

J & M Islands Shop: A renowned name in the real estate realm of North Eleuthera, this enterprise has expanded its horizons, thanks to the SBDC's support. Funding acquired: $250,000 through Fidelity Bank.

The SBDC invites entrepreneurs to follow their social media platforms, where they can witness, week-by-week, the transformative journeys of these business endeavors. Updates and further business spotlights will be made available in the upcoming months.

For more details on the SBDC's Guaranteed Loan Programme and to explore collaboration avenues, contact the SBDC today at 242-461-SBDC or funding@ sbdcbahamas.com

From October 10th to 12th, 2023, the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) conducted a crucial trade mission in Nassau, The Bahamas. Powered by the Bahamas Trade Commission, Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), and Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation (BCCEC), this mission aimed at fostering tighter economic ties and promoting regional integration.

The three-day mission included an opening ceremony and trade expo at the SBDC's head office on Gladstone Road on October 10th, followed by business-to-business (B2B) meetings on the 11th, and a day of market visits on the 12th. Seven prominent Jamaican companies, including Caribbean Broilers, Dynamic Chemicals, Fosrich, Jamaica Broilers, Jamaica Idealle, Spur Tree Spices, and ThomoVybes Manufacturing Ltd, actively participated.

These businesses held crucial B2B meetings with several Bahamian giants such as Commonwealth Brewery Limited, Light- bourn Trading, Sysco, and Caribbean Bottling Co. Ltd. They also toured various market outlets, including AID, Centerville Food Store, Super Value, and Xtra Value.

Ambassador Winston Pinnock pointed out the Caribbean Community's (CARICOM) goal of reducing imports from outside the region by 25 percent by 2025 and emphasized, "We need to grow what we eat and eat what we grow."

Key remarks from influential figures are summarized below:

Senator Barry Griffin, deputy chairman of the Bahamas Trade Commis- sion, emphasized the importance of greater trade and business facilitation throughout the Caribbean. He remarked, "Caribbean integration, regional trade, and the promotion of Caribbean business as a whole must be what we base our future prosperity on."

Samantha Rolle, SBDC executive director, highlighted the robust nature of the micro, small, and medium enterprises sector in Jamai- ca. She stated, "Working collaboratively to execute the JMEA trade mission will further support both nations in achieving greater economic resiliency."

Khrystle Ferguson, chairman of the BCCEC, underscored the necessity of continuous cross-border trade, remarking, "We need to come together and support each other in the Caribbean region."

The Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) has taken a significant stride forward in promoting electric mobility throughout The Bahamas. In August, the SBDC reached out to entrepreneurs across the islands with the pivotal electric vehicle survey, aiming to gauge perceptions and readiness for a paradigm shift to greener transportation.

Through this hands-on event, entrepreneurs could test drive a range of electric vehicles, deepening their understanding and appreciation for electric mobility. Easy Car Sales provided in- sights into the functionality, affordability, and availability of EVs, while the SBDC illuminated avenues for funding, eligibility, and application procedures.

This survey set the scene for the grand unveiling of the E-mobility Initiative in September in Eleuthera, in partnership with Easy Car Sales Ltd. The initiative showcased a groundbreaking three-day electric vehicle roadshow between September 26-28.

Phyllice Bethel, deputy executive director at SBDC, emphasized the larger objective, stating, "The aim of the Electric Mobility Initiative is to inform entrepreneurs about how electric vehicles can enhance their business profitability and sustainability. With rising fuel costs and the need to traverse long distances, it was essential to launch the initiative in Eleuthera."

Pia Farmer, co-founder of Easy Car Sales, highlighted the international trend: "Sales of EVs have soared, capturing 10 percent of all new car sales in 2022. The future is electric, aligning with both national energy targets and global environmental commitments."

Some compelling reasons to consider the switch to EVs:

• Predictions suggest that by 2030, electric vehicles will constitute over 60% of global vehicle sales.

• By the end of 2023, electric vehicles may become as affordable as their gasoline counterparts or even cheaper.

• Electric vehicles offer fuel cost savings, benefit from a mere 10 percent customs duty, and significantly reduce pollution and climate change impact.

Moreover, echoing the commitment to green initiatives, Drive Green Bahamas, steered by Benjamin Davis, the first funded client of the SBDC, continues to showcase a pioneering zero-emission car rental fleet.