Twelve young entrepreneurs receive grant funding to support development of their social enterprises

Minister for Youth, and Community Development, Gretta Roberts and one of twelve grant recipients

Twelve (12) young entrepreneurs who have completed training in social entrepreneurship through the Social Enterprise Incubator (SCI) Project will each receive a portion of a $45,000 grant fund to support the growth and development of their social enterprises.

The social enterprise incubator program was conceptualized through a collaborative effort with the Barbados and St.Lucia Youth Business Trust (SYBT)  and funded by the European Union.

Launched in Dominica by the Dominica Youth Business Trust (DYBT) in May 2021, this incubator program was designed to develop and support social entrepreneurs by teaching youth that business is not only for profit but can be used to alleviate social issues within their communities.

The social missions of the awardees were aimed at the environment, unemployment, uplifting marginalized youth in their communities, sewing, landscaping, lawn care, and media marketing.

“Today the DYBT is pleased to hand over $45,000 in grants under the social enterprise incubator, a program that commenced two years ago with the intention of developing, launching, and supporting social entrepreneurs,” Minister for Youth, and Community Development, Hon. Gretta Roberts stated at the handing-over ceremony.

“This afternoon, we see young entrepreneurs with social missions geared towards assisting the underprivileged youth with after-school care through the development of an internet café, the creation of employment for high school dropouts, the development of internship opportunities for Kalinago youth, providing living opportunities, and the reduction of mentally unstable persons within the community through positive social environmental support,” Roberts stated.

She said in recent times society has become aware of the importance of initiatives that add value to the livelihoods of our citizens, and this has prompted both individuals and companies to explore deeper, the concept of social entrepreneurship and the ways in which it can add to the quality of life in communities.

“Across the world, more and more young people are seeing social entrepreneurship as a viable career path that can provide them with an opportunity to make a difference in the world. Who better to be at the forefront of social entrepreneurship than the young people of such a beautiful country?” the minister asked.

“It is your fresh ideas and unique perspectives that will lead to innovative solutions to social and environmental issues. By using your creativity and innovation, you can address some of the world’s most pressing challenges,” she contended.

She praised the beneficiaries for their passion and commitment to the upliftment of marginalized people in communities, emphasizing that each and every one of them must realize their true potential and embrace the opportunity to make a difference in Dominica.

“You have put in the work; you attended the trainings and business development sessions and received mentoring from our DYBT staff. You have kept the discipline needed throughout the course, completed your plans and you are ready to go forth and make that difference in your communities,” Roberts declared.

She urged the young entrepreneurs to practice budgeting appropriately, keep proper records, be guided by the vision of their enterprise, and whenever the going gets tough, remember the reason they started in the first place and the impact this will have on another person’s life.

 

 

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4 Comments

  1. Julie Wolf
    March 23, 2023

    I have a disability. I have an idea women would clamour over. I don’t know how to put it together. Who to talk to. Who can help me with the six month planning. A decent website to work on. Away from burglars. I’m in Alberta Canada. If there is a tutor to work with.

    e

  2. Disappointed
    March 23, 2023

    This headline is very misleading. One of the entrepreneurs has clarified to me that the $45,000 was split across all 12 recipients.. granting an entrepreneurs EC $2000 to EC $5000 doesn’t actually count as assistance.

    I was initially excited to read this, and hopeful that the system was actually beginning to support local entrepreneurs… but sadly I’m left with the usual level of disappointment.

    People want to seem like they’re helping way more than they want to help.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 4
    • Kerry Rolle
      March 25, 2023

      Share the same sentiments. I also hope that political affiliation was not a determined factor for being a recipient.

    • Gayman
      March 25, 2023

      Article clearly states they will each receive a portion of the 45000.00. However I understand where you are coming from. Z

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