AN enterprising initiative undertaken by the Youth Economy Agency (YEA) has blossomed over the past weeks – with young entrepreneurs from across the island getting an opportunity to interface with experienced business leaders and to learn from their experiences so as to expand their networks.
A series of four business mixers were held in the communities of Gros Islet, Dennery, Laborie, and Soufriere, respectively. Each session featured several well tenured and respected speakers in the business field, and they interacted with the young participants to divulge facts, opinions and advice as to the key factors involved in entrepreneurship, running businesses, being financially stable and identifying viable business opportunities.
At the various events, young, motivated, and talented entrepreneurs were invited to join and listen to ways in which their businesses could become successful.
According to a YEA official, the purpose of these events facilitated by the Taiwan Technical Mission and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), was to give insight and inspiration to talented and ambitious Saint Lucian youth aspiring to become business men and women, whether self-employed or in the process of becoming self-employed. During each event, panels focused on specific themes.
As a result, the sessions allowed for strong focus on the topic at hand for the particular event so as to give clear insight to audiences.
During the proceedings of the first mixer, the panel consisted of singer/songwriter Arthur Allain, social entrepreneur, Ms. Keithlin Caroo and civil engineer, Dewayne Monrose who spoke on the theme,” Taking The Leap: From Employee To Entrepreneur.”
In Dennery, at Chateau Heritage, speaking on “Making Your Mark: Setting Yourself Head And Shoulders Above The Competition” were Dr. Thecla Fitz-Lewis of Lewis Industries Ltd.; James Adjodha, of Wavemaker Productions; and Damon Walters of Valley Cold Storage.
At Debbie’s Homemade Foods in Sapphire, Laborie, Rankin Morgan of 123 Digital; Terrence Elliott, of Converge Solutions Inc.; and Elius Ford of Ford Technology Solutions spoke on “Filling The Gap: Creating Your Own Path.”
And at the Beacon Restaurant in Soufriere, participants heard from business and banking consultant Mauricia Thomas-Francis; Leslie Collymore of Advanced Intellectual Methods; business consultant, Peter E. Lorde; and Darnell Bobb of the Fond St Jacques Credit Co-operative Society Ltd. on “Planning for Success: The Importance of A Business Plan.”
A highlight of the series, involved the respective speakers apprising the participants with their testimonials, success stories and advice.
The discourse allowed the participants to become more knowledgeable about the business journey and harnessing their skills.
They were also made aware of the importance of having a goal mindset and never giving up on their dreams even when it may be difficult to stay the course. Speakers made clear the various tools needed to run a business effectively, and that running a business properly requires a high level of diligence, sacrifice, and hard work.
A YEA official stated that, moreover, these events were deemed successful and impactful due to the dozens of young people who attended and the panels consisting of professionals who helped in accommodating and giving insight to these young people in a precise manner.
YEA is currently planning its second training course, which will cover digital marketing, whilst seeking additional funding for further training in business planning. The Agency is also commencing its Mentorship Programme, whereby close to 30 aspiring entrepreneurs will be receiving one-to-one coaching from experienced business professionals over the course of the next six months.