Small Business Week, an undertaking of the Small Business Support Unit, kicks off today.
The initiative will run under the theme ‘Building Dominica Through Small Business,’ and comes as a collaborative venture between the unit and several other partners who provide services for the medium and small business sectors on the island.
The activities will look to sensitize the public of the contributions of the small business sector and its vast potential. It will also look to underline the role of small businesses in Dominica’s development thrust.
The work being undertaken by the various agencies serving small business, government’s commitment, and the range of services and opportunities offered to entrepreneurs, will also be highlighted during the week-long activities.
Collin McIntyre, minister for Employment, Trade, Industry and Diaspora Affairs, will open the week today with a speech on the initiatives taken by the government, policy development and legislative issues in respect to the Small Business Support Unit”, according to the director of the Small Business Support Unit, Vincent Etienne, in a statement to the press.
The week culminates with a two-day exhibition on Thursday and Friday at the National Stadium.
Speaking of the purpose of the Unit in an audio-recorded statement, the minister said the “aim is to provide and develop small businesses to meet a number of needs in the country.”
In particular, he cited the alleviation of poverty, creation of employment and development in a range of new opportunities for small entrepreneurs who are willing to use their skills to provide jobs for themselves and others.
The minster, who also spoke of the extensive scope of the small business unit, said government is committed to the continued and sustainable development of micro, small and medium enterprises in Dominica.
@Jay:
You need to present concrete proof that they ‘the Chinese’ are getting the breaks and not Dominicans. Until you do, it is simply your opinion and can not pass as a fact. I prefer facts, just the facts.
If they are citizens of Dominica then they are afforded all the rights as you or I.
It is a direct result of our economic citizenship program and maybe it needs to be addressed or abolished but it is the law.
You cannot prevent them from doing what our Dominican Born Citizens can do.
However, if they are not citizens then surely the citizens interests need to be protected first and foremost.
Your complaint was at the Government. Recently a local person opened a paper factory. Not the Chinese, but a local man. He also got some breaks from the government to do so, but he got it and he opened his business. It was not an idea from the Government nor did he lean on them for his business, but Alas he himself a critic of the government chose to go open a small business.
Our Gov’t may need to level the playing field a bit for our Dominican Born Citizens, with the funding aspect. Maybe the Gov’t should provide some workshops for the public on putting together a business plan, applying for funding, loans, etc.
The Chinese have a better funding mechanism than we do – They do not worry about Religion/Holiday/Fete and serve the almighty dollar.
It is hard to compete with these things, but it can be done, just differently.
@Mangosteen: Hello, I already have one, did it on my own, and I have not and will not go asking for Government money. But if the government wants investors and are selling passports for investments, then I find it ridiculous that the Chinese come and sell barbeque chicken and fried chicken and to drive bus, and open all sorts of llittle businesses that locals are doing. Let them help us out by opening factories and creating employment, and doing businesses that will help develop the country, and not little stores that locals have been trying to do. Just saying.
hello dr. am in need of sum bins to organise my small buniness
Small business is the way to go. Too many people depend on Government to start thier business. A small idea. consistancy, prudent management using lots of common sense with a focus to succeed could be the answer to some of our income generating.Sometimes we want ot start too big.Humble beginnings and make great endings.
i hope i get mine soon i want to open my business
Jay, what business did you want to start that you had a plan for with ideas and a good sales pitch, that you were turned down?
Some people just like to complain!
Let me give you an idea of a small business-This website is a small business.
I do not know the owner(s) of this website, but I like their plan so far.
We do not pay the owners to read their news, but they derive their revenue from advertisements.
They also are always early with news, pictures, information. Somethings that other major news outlets do not have, they have it here and fast garcon.
I feel in touch and I pay attention to their advertisers, willing to patronize whenever I can.
The owners did not complain about this and that, ad the Government and Chinese and Haitian – They got their plan, attacked it seriously and will continue to rip the benefits.
We always wait on Government, thinking they will save us.
Look at the Market today, so many Haitians are growing and selling produce…..why could we not continue this?
We have life too sweet and we are too dependent on others….Time to step up and ask DNO how to replicate their success in other areas.
Whatever, more lies, still the chinese that are getting all the breaks. The Government evel allows them to sell chicken on the side of the road, and drive bus; everyday a new chinese business opens. Maybe you all want to help out the chinese more and that is why you start that initiative.