The government will award $45,000 worth of grants to 18 entrepreneurs who went through the Small Business Development Centre’s branch office set up for Over-the-Hill residents, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis said yesterday.
Minnis, who made the remarks during his budget contribution in the House of Assembly, said the government’s only request of the entrepreneurs who the grants will be handed to, is that they “succeed and do well”.
According to Minnis, the grant recipients have formed businesses in the areas of cosmetology, landscaping, craftsmanship, farming, pharmaceutical soap distribution and errand services.
One of the grant recipients is creating a business related to bees and their products.
“Some of these participants will go on to the broader Small Business Development Centre (SBDC),” said Minnis.
“They are completing their business plans over the next two weeks.”
According to Minnis, the grant money was made available through donations from members of the private sector. He said it is his hope that other businesses that have the means to donate money will give more to the foundation, so that more people will be able to receive grants.
Those new entrepreneurs who go on to the broader SBDC will be able to access additional funding to expand their business ideas.
The SBDC/Access Accelerator recently put $786,000 into the hands of 13 entrepreneurs and has already advised 752 clients across The Bahamas.
Those businesses include Island Breeze, founded by Kelsey Bridgewater; Better Days Pizzeria, founded by Petula Clammons-Henfield; WonderTech, founded by Don Brown; Exuma Christian Academy, founded by Keniqua Burrows; Pulpy, founded by Shaquille and Anthonique Coleby; Fineena Artis, founded by Donaita Outten; A Stitch in Time, founded by Jennis Thompson; Jujukanoo, founded by Vanessa Miller and Kevin Knowles; Greene Corporate Services, founded by Albertha Rolle; Remarkable Carz Rental Service, founded by Brian Williams; Vue AV, founded by Juan Bethel; Shiver, founded by Elvis Percentie and Melissa Darville; and Drive Greene, founded by Benjamin Davis.
Via: tribune242.com
