PRESS RELEASE
BUSINESS FORUM - YOUTH EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE
Castries, January 8th, 2022; On Wednesday, January 5th, 2022, the Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs, in collaboration with the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Saint Lucia, hosted a Business Forum for women and young entrepreneurs. The purpose of this event was to apprise persons of the project aimed at boosting Saint Lucia’s economic recovery through vocational skills training. Approximately five hundred and eighty (580) individuals registered for this forum, of which three hundred and nineteen (319) participated.
The Minister responsible for Commerce, Honourable Emma Hippolyte, in her address to the participants informed them that this initiative will place a lot of emphasis on the growth and development of the youth and women to ensure that both groups contribute to and benefit from the economic recovery. Minister Hippolyte further encouraged both youth and women to make full use of this opportunity so that they could become self-reliant and independent.
The Ambassador His Excellency Peter Chen of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in his remarks solidified his government’s commitment to the youth and people of Saint Lucia. He indicated that the program entails technical assistance for youth and women’s employment, entrepreneurship and financial assistance, which is geared toward empowering the target beneficiaries.
The Honourable Dr. Virginia Poyote, Minister for Gender Affairs, congratulated her colleague Minister for this noble initiative especially at a time when women are at the forefront in society. In addition, their full and equal participation in all facets of society is integral. The Minister for Gender Affairs continued by stating that the pandemic affects mostly women and girls and implored participants to make great use of their skills and hobbies, so they can convert them into meaningful employment.
The team from Sir Arthur Lewis Community College stated that the programme would allow participants the opportunity to learn from a structured, certified adult learning programme, which includes entrepreneurial development training and an incubator programme to support start-up enterprises/MSMEs. There is also post training, start-up mentorship and counselling prospect. The programme will cover areas such as Hospitality, Health Aide, Digital and Creative Entrepreneurship, and Early Childhood Development.
After members of the panel presented, participants were invited to question the presenters. Based on the 2-hour discussion which ensued between the participants and the panellists, it was clear that the forum was well-received by the participants. The Ministry of Commerce now invites all interested persons to register for the programme at the following: SALCC’s website for the Upskilling Academy for Youth and Women:
https://upskilling.salcc.edu.lc/
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PRESS RELEASE
BUSINESS FORUM - YOUTH EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE
Castries, December 28th, 2021; The Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs, in collaboration with the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) – Upskilling Academy, will be hosting a Business Forum on Wednesday, January 5th, 2022 at 9:30 am for Women and Young Entrepreneurs. This event is for persons interested in participating in the Incubator Programme for Start-up Entrepreneurs, the second phase of the recently launched Taiwanese-funded project, “Technical Assistance for Youth Employment, Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion”.
This phase, which is expected to begin on February 1st, 2022, offers an avenue for over 300 individuals - owners of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) - to receive training, valuable business coaching and financing for their businesses. The Forum will provide information about the project, including the eligibility criteria and support for the successful candidates, among other things.
To register in advance for the event, persons should use the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsde2gqzIpH9etTK6yt-UL1qmUgPfFQR01
Upon registering, persons will receive the meeting link to attend the Business Forum.
The Ministry of Commerce encourages women and young business owners island wide to seize this opportunity to develop or hone their skills and qualify for financing to enhance their business’ performance. The initiative is designed to reduce unemployment and stimulate the economy, through the empowerment of our youth and women.
For more information, please contact Mrs. Barbara Innocent-Charles, the Director of the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) at 468-4218 / 468-4223.
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