NEARLY 200 participants from the Jennès Upskilling Business Coaching Programme got their moment to shine brighter at an Entrepreneur Showcase held on Friday, June 30, 2023.
The Entrepreneur Showcase, which was held in the Vladimir Lucien Theatre at the Gros Islet Human Resource Development Centre from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the day, featured a vast variety of goods and services, including catering and culinary services, childcare services, information technology, fashion, and more.
Previously scheduled for Friday, June 23, 2023, the event had to be postponed due to the passage of Tropical Storm Bret, following the decision by local authorities to postpone hosting of any major activity on the day.
The Entrepreneur Showcase was jointly hosted by the Governments of Saint Lucia and Taiwan in collaboration with Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC). The event was the finale to the Business Coaching Programme which started on May 3, 2023, with a webinar online session and ended on June 14, 2023. Participants in the programme each received a certificate of completion and angel grant funding from the Government of Taiwan.
During the official opening ceremony at the Entrepreneur Showcase, His Excellency Peter Chia-yen Chen, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, commended the participants for their remarkable display of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. He added that the Business Coaching Programme not only provided participants with the essential technical and soft skills needed to run successful businesses, but that it also created linkages with qualified professionals who coached and mentored the participants.
“As I look around this room, I am filled with a sense of awe and admiration for the diligent minds present here,” Ambassador Chen said in his opening remarks. “Each one of you has dedicated countless hours, energy, and resources to bring your ideas to life. Your passion and commitment are evident in the products and services showcased here today.”
“However, we must remember that success does not happen in isolation,” he added. “Behind every innovative product, there is a team of dedicated individuals, mentors, investors, and supporters who have contributed to the journey.”
Ambassador Chen expressed gratitude to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, Taiwan Technical Mission, and especially Hon. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, whom, he said, “upheld the practical ambition and visionary leadership to create a venue for all youth.
“Your commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship is admirable, and Taiwan is honoured to be part of it,” he said.
As he ended, Ambassador Chen said Taiwan remains a formidable and partner of Saint Lucia and its national development goals, urging the entrepreneurs to keep striving for greatness.
“May this event inspire you all to reach new heights, push the boundaries of what is possible, and create a future that is filled with endless opportunities,” Ambassador Chen said. “Taiwan will continue to support the success of Saint Lucia’s youth business and sustainable development with the Government of Saint Lucia.”