Youth Minister Gretta Roberts has revealed that to date the Government of Dominica has invested millions of dollars for the training development of over 1,500 entrepreneurs.
She delivered the feature address at the Dominica Youth Business Trust (DYBT) 20th Graduation and Awards Ceremony held at the St Alphonsus Parish Hall in Goodwill this week. Forty-nine entrepreneurs were awarded.
“Today you hold more than just a certificate, you hold the keys to your future as leaders in Dominica’s entrepreneurial landscape,” she stated. “Your accomplishments today are a reflection of the opportunities provided by this government through the Dominica Youth Business Trust.”
She continued, “Our investment in this trust over the past two decades has been a deliberate effort to empower young people, foster innovation, and to build sustainable businesses.”
Roberts added, “To date, we have invested millions of dollars in the training and development of over 1,500 young entrepreneurs.”
According to her, this investment has contributed to the establishment and growth of countless small businesses across the island, creating jobs and stimulating the economy.
Roberts believes that entrepreneurship goes beyond starting businesses.
“It’s about empowering young people to transform their passion, skills, and ideas into tangible outcomes,” she explained. “This affords them the opportunity to play a vital role in tackling significant global issues like poverty, climate change and inequality.”
She said that when motivated by a sense of purpose, many leverage their businesses to create meaningful change in the world.
Roberts stated further that launching a business can be particularly tough for young entrepreneurs, especially in the early stages.
“This is why this government remains committed to providing the necessary support with access to resources and tools through initiatives like the Dominica Youth Business Trust,” she stated.
“To the 49 young entrepreneurs gathered here today and graduated today, congratulations. You stand as the embodiment of determination, vision, and resilience,” she noted.
Roberts believes that their journey to this point was not an easy one.
“It required focus, sacrifice, and of course hard work,” she stated.
Roberts said each graduate has shown that with the right support and their own inner drive, “success is possible.”
She urged graduates to remember that this is only the beginning of their journey.
“The world of business is ever evolving and those who succeed are the ones who never stop learning,” Roberts stated. “Use this foundation to build upon your skills, expand your knowledge, and adapt [to] the demands of a competitive and dynamic global economy.”
Meanwhile, Minister for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, Mirium Blanchard warns graduates that the “get rich quick” gimmick is not sustainable, “and even when acquired cannot be properly enjoyed.”
“Rather, be inspired by those who will put in time and effort to realize the gains,” Blanchard advised.
She added that the only place success precedes work is in a dictionary.
The DYBT is an initiative of the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) and the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, with support from the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
This Project focuses on a model by which young people are provided with the wherewithal to establish sustainable businesses. It combines attributes of several past initiatives and involves inputs from several institutions and donors into a coordinated project that delivers an efficient package of services to young entrepreneurs. The first consultation with stakeholders of the project was held in August 2003. The Trust was officially launched in May 2004.
If a new call centre comes to dominica tomorrow and was 3,000 sq feet of turn key operation ready space, where you going to put them? If a manufacturer wants 2000sqft of SUITABLE manufacturing space, where you going to put them? There is nothing for small businesses to grow. already the population dwindling, cost of everything going up with inflation. nonsense those people does talk.
what investments in entrepreneurship? giving their friends and supporters money with no follow up ? what landscape is there for young entrepreneurs? businesses and banks closing. all because of you people that insist on being groupies for skerrit.