“To change our world is to develop the potential of our people and our nation and this is one of the major thrust of the Small Business Association (SBA)”, says Lynette Holder, CEO of the association.
The theme at the recent graduation held at Bagnall’s Gallery, Pelican Village was ‘Equipping the Community with Tools for Success’. Holder believes “this is one of the mandates of the association to prepare our members and public with the tools to start and to develop themselves and thus their business.” She cited Nelson Mandela in her address who stated “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world” and the SBA has maintained this commitment in the association.
The CEO added, “The association has identified three key areas of focus and product offering for members and the public. The three areas are advocacy, business development services and training.
Education has always been important to our island. The concept and value of education was understood by the leaders of our nation in their commitment to providing free education for our people. At the BSBA we have demonstrated our commitment to education, it has been the forefront of our programmes and our developmental thrust, this is a process that started in 2001 offering a range of community based training programmes, and we have continued to offer high standards and affordable courses.”
“We are committed to the role education plays in the lives of our entrepreneurs,” Holder remarked.
Dr. Gladstone Best, Principal of Barbados Community College (BCC) in his key note address echoed similar points, he said, “we need continuous education. Small business makes up a significant portion of the Caribbean business landscape. Small business is big business and employs a considerable amount of the workforce, with that degree of economic importance it is essential that the Small Business Association continues to provide training and development for its membership to ensure they are equipped with the tools for success.”
He said, “In 2005 at BCC graduation the former Governor of the Barbados Central Bank Dr. Marion Williams stated in the current global environment you should not ignore the idea of self employment, we must condition ourselves to be entrepreneurial to think of new projects and consider working for ourselves.”
Best indicated, “Graduates have to be commended for pursuing small businesses and furthermore seeking the education to help you succeed. Continuing education is vital. They are challenges that small businesses face, it is difficult work and stressful but it is important for individuals contemplating small business to be aware of the challenges and reality in day to day operations. It is important to remain current and this can be done through education.”
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