Source: Date: Updated: |
TheBahamasInvestor.com
Thursday, January 11, 2018 Thursday, January 11, 2018 |
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard affirmed that in spite of small scope of the economy, Grand Bahama is a good place to start a new business.
He made the comment last week at a press conference to award business development assistance grants to GB Micro & Small Business Economic Empowerment Programme winners.
Minister Pintard was present to witness 20 entrepreneurs receive assistance from the government to launch or continue their business enterprises.
He said the best way to reboot the economy was with small businesses and, as such, the government reached out to those individuals who were motivated to succeed in the arena.
Noting that not everyone has the capacity or ability to run a business, Minister Pintard observed business people are self-motivated.
“We thought it was critical to look at the creative industries, to look at technology, to look at industry, which is the driving force in Grand Bahama, and of course, Agriculture and Fisheries, in order to find the gems. Many of these people have been doing it without government’s help, in some cases, but needed additional support; and then there were others who had the vision, but lacked the required capital.”
The Minister added that in order for these small businesses to become successful, it was necessary for the owners of these businesses to have the proper training. A business plan, he pointed out, was absolutely critical.
“The simple commitment we make is this – this is the beginning of a lifelong relationship and it is our desire to work with you overtime,” said Minister Pintard. “While a number of persons would be receiving grants from the government, this is but one of many ways in which you will access resources – financial as well as technical assistance.”