Commerce Minister Confirms Government Support to Entrepreneurs at GEW Launch

[dropcap]M[/dropcap]inister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Commerce, Industry, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs, Bradley Felix addressed the launch of GEW 2016 at Sandals Halcyon on Monday, November 14. The event was held under the theme “Harnessing the Entrepreneur in You”.

RBC Royal Bank hosted their activity, “the Entrepreneurs Speed Networking Forum” and collaborated with the Chamber to launch GEW 2016. The forum preceded the launch and brought together professionals from the government and the private sector who engaged approximately 45 current and aspiring young entrepreneurs on different aspects of the challenges of entrepreneurship, shared their experiences and addressed questions and concerns.

Managing Director RBC Barbados and Market Head RBC Royal Bank Business Banking for Barbados and Eastern Caribbean, Mr. Kevin Darling thanked the Chamber for the opportunity to collaborate saying, “thanks to the Chamber for their vision in seeing the need to introduce St. Lucians to GEW, where discussions surrounding entrepreneurship in ongoing during the week and providing an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to network, be mentored and inspired to pursue their dreams”.

In his address, the Minister informed the veteran and young entrepreneurs of the ongoing work of his department assuring them of the government’s support saying, “we will continue to revise policy, develop infrastructure and engage in individual consultation with each and every one of you, all in an effort to assist you on your path to success; you are the pillars of our economy, our pioneers of commerce, our engines of growth, the visionaries of our future and the builders of our great nation, Saint Lucia. You are deserving of our respect, our admiration and our full support.”

Young entrepreneur and panelist Anselm Mathurin launched his free Sales Only app and advised the young entrepreneurs to make full use of the app to market their products and services.

Global Entrepreneurship Week celebrates the ingenuity, hard work and enormous contributions of young entrepreneurs to the nation’s prosperity and economic security. GEW was also an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to connect with collaborators, mentors, and investors and explore ways to turn dreams into reality.

The St Lucia Chamber of Commerce has expressed thanks to the RBC Royal Bank for their support and contribution to GEW 2016.

The public is invited to support GEW by attending the following activities this weekend: Mini Expo – Vieux Fort Square and GIBD Exhibition at Massy Stores Rodney Bay – Saturday, November 19 and the Fashionentrepreneur Competition and closing of GEW 2016 at Golden Palm Events Centre, Rodney Bay on Sunday, November 20 from 5:30pm.