Forty-one participants of the Grand Bahama Micro and Small Business Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurial Incentive Programme Cohort III were awarded grants worth $180,000 during a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister September 6, 2018.

Minister of State for Grand Bahama Minister Kwasi Thompson said that the government has a created a Small Business Development Centre which will start in New Providence, but will also have an office in Grand Bahama.

While the government will use $5 million to assist small businesses throughout the country, he said, in Grand Bahama $200,000 has already been issued. Additionally, the participants in Cohort III will receive $180,000.

Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard (pictured), who was Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture when the programme began, announced the Self Starter Grant winners.

He said the programme was designed to fill certain gaps as an effort is being made by the government to revitalize not only the economy of Grand Bahama, but also the country as a whole. Minister Pintard thanked the lecturers and organizers who have participated in the programme.

The programme also provides mentors for the recipients to assist with their businesses.

Partnering with the government in this venture are the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

The Self Starter Grant winners have a wide variety of businesses including: education, event planning, photography, craft stores, clothing stores, tourism and transportation, bakeries, entertainment and fishing.

Pictured: Participants in the Grand Bahama Micro and Small Business Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurial Incentive Programme Cohort III graduate September 6, 2018. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)