GEW – In Case You Missed it!

The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, as the local host organization, officially closed off another successful observance of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW)! The initiative began in 2008 with a particular emphasis on inspiring young people to make their mark and has rapidly grown into a worldwide effort that engages entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, researchers, support organizations and other collaborators to advance economic growth and innovation in over 180 countries globally. Under the chosen themes of “Ecosystems; Education; Inclusion; Policy”, Global Entrepreneurship Week 2021 was observed from the 8^th to the 14^th of November.

Live from the studios of the National Television Network St. Lucia, on Monday 8^th November 2021 the official launch of GEW was held in a short ceremony directed by Ms. Mishma Anderson, Program Officer of the St. Lucia Youth Business Trust. The proceedings were addressed by the Minister of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs, Honourable Emma Hippolyte who encouraged entrepreneurs to capitalize on all the opportunities for growth and expansion available to them, sharing that they are welcomed to visit the ministry to see how they can be assisted in their business ventures.

Chamber President, in her brief remarks, pledged the continuous support of the Chamber for entrepreneurs and initiatives like Global Entrepreneurship Week as it works towards the fostering and nurturing of an entrepreneurial culture in St. Lucia. In this 10^th year of celebration, she ensured to express immense gratitude to all partners and sponsors who have in the past, supported GEW in some way or the other noting that their stellar contributions over time have aided significantly in raising stimulating and growing the local network.

Following the launch on Monday, the Chamber of Commerce virtually hosted the Entrepreneurs’ Speed Consulting Forum which gave entrepreneurs an opportunity to hear from and engage Business Professionals. In the persons of Ms. Ana-Kaye Green, Mrs. Jancel Mater-Thomas, Mr. Kelly Mitchell, Ms. Tessa Drayton, Mr. Ted Sandiford and Mr. Keeghan Patrick, participants gained insight in the areas of Banking and Finance, Entrepreneurship, PR & Communications, Social Media Management, Information Technology as well as Marketing and Sales.

The novel Business Resource Symposium was held via the zoom platform on Wednesday 10^th November. This activity emerged out of discourse at a partners’ meeting as it was felt that entrepreneurs would benefit greatly from a forum which brought Business Support Organizations together where they could inform of their array of services and how these services could be accessed by entrepreneurs and small business owners. Presenting organizations included the St. Lucia Youth Business Trust, St. Lucia Development Bank, the Small Business Development Centre – formally known as SEDU, Bank of Saint Lucia Limited, BOOST Saint Lucia, the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, Republic Bank (EC) Limited and the James Belgrave Micro Enterprise Development.

Thursday’s activity saw a collaboration between the Chamber and Carli Communications out of Trinidad and Tobago. In a ninety-minute virtual session entitled “Unleashing the Power of Publicity in Your Business,” Carla Williams Johnson, a Media Marketing Specialist who shared her expertise on how to find and win publicity for your business. Carla also provided tips on how press received could be used to build credibility, authority and income. Carla was well received by participants who lauded her dynamic delivery.        

On Friday 12^th September, a Costing and Pricing Workshop was held following the collective efforts of the Chamber of Commerce, Massy Stores and Helen’s Daughters. The session aimed to create greater awareness of ‘costing’ as a concept, driving home that itis essential for the determination of project financing and prices, and for the achievement of profit. The session was well attended by over twenty-five youth and women in agriculture within the Helen’s Daughters network.

The following activities were also held by other partner organizations in recognition of GEW 2021; on Tuesday 9^th November Creating an Elevator Pitch hosted by the Public Service Toastmasters, on Wednesday 10^th November the Cross Caribbean Startup Huddle and 3rd Annual Startup Huddle St. Lucia Awards both hosted by SLUDTERA, on Thursday 11^th November the Nudge Caribbean Launch in Saint Lucia hosted by AdVizze Inc, on Friday 12^th November the Women Empowered in Business Panel Discussion hosted by BOOST Saint Lucia as well as the EWC St. Lucia Champions Symposium  hosted by SLUDTERA and finally on Sunday 14^th November the Awe St. Lucia LISVALU Women’s Talk hosted by SLUDTERA.

The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture takes this opportunity to officially thank the sponsors of Global Entrepreneurship Week St. Lucia 2021 who, in the toughest of times have come forward to help once again finance this initiative: Bank of Saint. Lucia Limited, Massy Stores (SLU) Limited and Republic Bank (EC) Limited. Additionally, we thank AdVizze Inc for coming on board as our PR Partner as well as the National Television Network and Radio Caribbean International for their media partnership and support.

For more information on Global Entrepreneurship Week 2021, kindly contact the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture via telephone at 452 3165 or via email at gewslu@gmail.com.