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.

Highlights of the Partnership:

The Eleuthera Business 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: "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 Regional Public Affairs Director - The Bahamas & Caribbean: "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 collaboration, commitment, and community-driven goals can achieve. It remains a model that other communities might emulate to cultivate their entrepreneurial ecosystems.

The Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) partnered with the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) as a silver sponsor of the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2023. The three-day forum, designed to raise the visibility of the Caribbean as an investment destination, connected the investment community with local and regional companies to engage with business owners and generate more business.

The relationship between CEDA and the SBDC, dating back to 2019, has produced many successful initiatives, and the SBDC's sponsorship commitment to the 2023 Caribbean Investment Forum is a testament to that enduring collaboration. Through this year's partnership, the SBDC had the opportunity to collaborate with CEDA, Draper Startup House and Invest Turks & Caicos Islands for Survival of the Pitchest, a Caribbean pitch competition.

Natasha Walcott, senior advisor, competitiveness and export promotion at CEDA, said, "Caribbean Export is pleased to play its part in the burgeoning start-up ecosystem in the Caribbean. Having worked with MSMEs throughout the region, we recognize the challenges that they face in establishing their businesses and expanding. Hence, our eagerness to partner with Draper Start Up House CARICOM for the second time to feature this exciting opportunity as part of the Caribbean Investment Forum calendar.

As the space for innovation and brilliance from Carib- bean start-ups take center stage, Caribbean Export is thrilled to be a part of this, and we are truly grateful for the unwavering support of sponsors, including the Small Business Development Centre Bahamas, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, Zwede Hewitt, Virgin Atlan- tic and Caribbean Airlines."

During her remarks, SBDC Executive Director Samantha Rolle congratulated the finalists and celebrated the fact that there were four Bahamians amongst the group representing the manufaturing, agriculture, food & beverage and fashion industries. Rolle noted that each participant's story serves as a testament to the power of belief, determination, tenacity and persistence in the entrepreneurial journey. "What we will witness is just a snapshot of the molding and nurturing of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) that support regional transformation to a bold new Carib- bean," said Rolle.

More than 150 business owners throughout the Caribbean submitted pitch decks and videos for consideration during the application period, representing the largest contingent that the partners have ever witnessed. Following the selection process, all finalists had the opportunity to participate in a virtual pitch prep session leading up to the event. The Pitch Competition was held on October 24th at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. Seven finalists presented a two-minute pitch to a judging panel of four, including Leo Naut (deputy executive director, Caribbean Export Company), Darnel Francois (chief executive officer of Draper Startup House), Samantha Rolle (SBDC executive director) and Alexa Cooper (vice president - SME, Invest Turks & Caicos Islands).

In his opening remarks at the event, CEO of Draper Startup House (DSH) Darnel Francois, noted that Survival of the Pitchest is the catalyst event for showcasing the businesses and ideas of Caribbean founders and entrepreneurs.

"We want to ensure that they are incentivized to put themselves out there and push innovation forward. We don't want to encourage a culture of being over-mentored and underfunded. We must find the balance. Our goal at DSH is to encourage risk capital becoming part of our finance culture, failing forward being celebrated, and networking of the different public and private institutions with our entrepreneurs, in an effort to get all stakeholders in the ecosystem development for innovation," Francois added. Event host Eric Sawyer III was tasked with announcing the top three winners of the Survival of the Pitchest Com- petition. Romero Dorsette of The Farmhouse Bistro in New Providence placed third, receiving a total of $3,000 in funding and a round-trip ticket on Caribbean Airlines. Joshua Miller of Limeade Bahamas finished in second place, receiving $7,000 in funding and a round-trip ticket on Virgin Atlantic. Keeghan Patrick of St. Lucia emerged as the com- petition's winner, receiving a total of $10,000 in funding for his company Rifbid, and two first class round-trip tickets on Virgin Atlantic.

The Small Business Development Centre is extremely proud of the performance of the Bahamas finalists and re- mains committed to providing Bahamian business owners and entrepreneurs with advancement opportunities and much-needed support, to develop their startups and existing businesses into viable business models and, in turn, strengthen the MSME sector.

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

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