“To encourage and promote entrepreneurship” is the aim of the newest private sector growth and small business initiative known as the Waitukubuli Entrepreneurs Leve (WELs).
The WELs initiative has been in operation for the past six months. So far it features just about a dozen members of local business executives covering an already notable cross section of the private sector. These include minds from the tourism industry, real estate development, economics, the US Peace Corps, accounting and business development, to name a few.
The fast growing membership team will look to encompass every kind of business avenue presently active on the island. They will use their combined knowledge and individual know-how to assist and encourage young and upcoming entrepreneurs throughout the island.
The first step in realizing this goal is through a WELs Retreat carded for the week of November 14-19. The week will coincide with Global Entrepreneurs Week and stand as the first ever observed on the island.
“We are lining up some of the best business minds in Dominica to help our youth move forward,” said chairman and one of the WELs founding members Samuel Raphael. A WELs selection team will select 30 “like-minded” young people to take part in the week-long exercise.
Raphael said WELs has already teamed up with local and international entities to assist in the promotion and execution of the initiative geared at encouraging the spirit of entrepreneurship in Dominica.
“Locally we have started to pickup steam,” he said.
The organization has already received the nod from LIME as it relates to sponsorship of the WELs Retreat. The total cost for the venture is budgeted at $80,000 and is said to guarantee the creation of avenues for young individuals to establish themselves and possibly get financial aid for a lifelong project.
“We are all interested in promoting the self development of our youth and by extension the economic development of Dominica and we want to partner the two,” Raphael said.
Meanwhile, treasurer of WELs Frederick Baron said it is time for the youth of Dominica to step away from their reliance on government to provide jobs and rather focus their energies on “the three Es –Economic Empowerment through Entrepreneurship.”
“If we can help young entrepreneurs to develop themselves we will help to develop Dominica,” Baron said.
Allegra Smith, a Peace Corps volunteer on the project, said individuals looking to take advantage of the WELs Retreat week should check the credit union offices in their area. These she says are being used as points of distribution for application forms.
Although WELs may seem to merely add to the existing complement of entrepreneurship organizations, its Chairman Samuel Raphael assures that it stands aside considerably from the rest with the wealth of experience and dedication that it will produce.
With that, Raphael adds that, WELs will also be more of a conduit, linking lending agencies with entrepreneurs and established business personnel to create an outcome of commitment and dedication second to none.
SMH, it take a caucasian for our people to get up off their behinds to make moves……this is a shame…..always waiting on a white slave master to feed u all…….what a shame, the slave mentality is still here n well alive
wonderful… I will submit my application. great opportunity.
@Fairplay: Or it could be what it looks like: A group of private persons getting together for a good cause. Namely, encouraging young entrepreneurs and inviting them into a network of successful Dominican business persons. Peace Corps Volunteers can be very helpful in assisting community based and civil society NGO’s like this one.
@hmmm: Don’t be naive this could be a political organization. Pease Corps people should not get involved with such people.She could be asked to leave the country.
@concerned villager: I am disappointed, here she is trying to help out young person and you’re questioning it?? It just shows that she is interested in seeing youth development. Yes the Government is doing a good job but support should always be welcome because the Government cannot do it on their own.
I support the initiative and I commend the Government of Dominica, WELs and any other organization formed to enhance the skills of young persons. Keep up the good work!!
Eh, What that baron fella saying there noh, Meanwhile, treasurer of WELs Frederick Baron said it is time for the youth of Dominica to step away from their reliance on government to provide jobs and rather focus their energies on “the three Es –Economic Empowerment through Entrepreneurship.”
SO u saying de Govt not doing a good job den.. Magway sah, we luv our leader ka men
“WELs will also be more of a conduit, linking lending agencies with entrepreneurs and established business personnel to create an outcome of commitment and dedication second to none.”
hmm sounds like the NDFD
Ms Smith are you not supose to be in the community working and not working for other benefits outside as a peacecorp?