A new national programme – ‘WeBiz Bajan’ – will bring financing, registration, training, and energy solutions directly to communities, with three islandwide expos planned and cash and loan support for small-business ideas.
WeBiz Bajan, launched by the Barbados Trust Fund Limited and the Office of the Supervisor of Insolvency, aims to deliver a more coordinated approach to grassroots economic development.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Business Development and Consumer Affairs, Kevin Hunte, said the initiative is intended to remove long-standing administrative obstacles faced by small business owners:
“For too long, a small business owner in Barbados has had to knock on about ten different doors to get one thing done. One door for financing, one door for registration, another door for training, and another for advice. Webiz Bajan turns that model on its head. Here, we bring government to you—information, guidance, financing, housing solutions, employment services, and sustainability tools, all in one place.”
Hunte praised micro-entrepreneurs, vendors and innovators as central to the Barbadian economy and said the outreach reflects direct support for their work.
“You are the ones who get up early; you are the ones who close late at night. You create jobs in your neighbourhoods and keep money circulating. This morning represents the government seeing you, valuing you, and reinforcing that we are prepared to stand with you.”
The initiative brings together the microfinancing support of Fund Access, technical assistance from the Small Business Development Unit and the services of the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office to help vendors formalise their operations.
It also links the Barbados Trust Fund Limited and the Office of the Supervisor of Insolvency, organisations typically associated with different stages of business activity.
Barbados Trust Fund chief executive Gerald Amos said the partnership initially drew scepticism but works in practice:
“When people first heard of this relation, some smiled and asked: ‘Really?’ On paper, it may appear an unusual partnership, but once you understand the power behind both organisations, it becomes one of the most natural partnerships imaginable. One organisation helps entrepreneurs create opportunities before problems arise, while the other helps people navigate difficult circumstances and find a pathway forward. When you look beyond our titles, we are simply people helping people.”
Amos gave accounts of interventions where support helped entrepreneurs remain in business and said the experience changed his view of public service collaboration:
“For many years, I carried the belief that there simply was not enough help available for entrepreneurs. Working with all of you has completely changed my perspective. I have discovered extraordinary public officers, dedicated professionals, and people who genuinely care. Let us become that single front door for entrepreneurs.”
Three community expos are planned. There will be a focus on energy efficiency and renewable options. The energy ministry and the Barbados National Energy Company Limited will be present to demonstrate practical solar and energy-saving systems.
“Every dollar you do not spend on electricity is a dollar that you can reinvest in stock, in staff, and in growth,” Hunte said.
Neisha Holder, representing the event planning team, said the first expo will be held on Saturday, August 29, at Trents, St James, followed by Glebe, St George, on Saturday, September 19 and Rices, St Philip, on Saturday, October 24.
Each event will include activities for children, culinary demonstrations and displays of Barbadian products. A central feature will be the ‘C-suite Challenge’, a pitch competition for business ideas.
“The C-suite Challenge is the ultimate launchpad,” Holder announced. “At every single community expo, we are giving local creators the opportunity to step up and pitch their business ideas before a supporting panel of judges. To help turn those winning ideas into highly successful enterprises, we have put together an amazing business development package.”
Winners will receive $22 000 in cash and eligibility for a loan of up to $10 000 from the Barbados Trust Fund Limited, along with a year of mentorship, business incubation support, branding and marketing assistance, and exhibition opportunities at future state trade events.
“We believe that the next great Bajan brand is sitting in a living room, a garage, or a kitchen right here within our communities,” Holder said. “The C-suite Challenge is here to give you the platform, the funding, and the tools to show the world what you can do.”
Officials have also invited companies to participate in the WeBiz Bajan initiative as preparations for the first expo in St James continue.
(RR)
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