This time around, the Capacity Building: Business Plan & Financial Training Workshop was held at the Belle Vue Human Resource Development Centre in Vieux Fort North on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 26-27, 2023, and targeted twenty-one entrepreneurs in the south of the island. 

Topics discussed at the workshop in the south included book-keeping, how to write a business plan, and catered to those in business who need cash to keep afloat, capital, purchase equipment, or wish to expand. The workshop was facilitated by Ms. Gabrielle Louisy, who also facilitated a similar workshop held from September 19-20, 2023, at the Youth Economy Agency (YEA) office on Chaussee Road, Castries, that targeted twenty-two entrepreneurs in the north of the island.

All of the participants own and operate their own businesses, and many of them have participated in previous workshops and/or courses sponsored by TaiwanICDF, including the Jennès Programme, while others came from the Youth Economy Agency (YEA), or were referred to by Bank of Saint Lucia (BOSL). Areas covered in the workshop included getting better acquainted with preparing and understanding SWOT analysis, balance sheet, business plan, marketing plan, business registration, costing and pricing, networking, and customer service.

Representatives from Bank of Saint Lucia were in attendance on day two of the workshop to explain what types of loans are available for MSMEs and how entrepreneurs can apply for such loans. His Excellency Peter Chia-Yen Chen, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, spoke at the closing ceremony, pledging Taiwan’s continued support for Saint Lucians and urging participants to continue aiming for success.

“As we recognize youth and women are two of the most important driving forces of Saint Lucia’s economic development, Taiwan continues to work with the Saint Lucian Government onyouth and women empowerment projects, and today is another exemplary achievement,” said Ambassador Chen. “The training in these two days not only passed on the knowledge on finance and business, but also opened more opportunities for youth and women in different sectors to expand their business scale. I look forward to seeing all participants harness the skills acquired here and to reach for higher excellence.”

Ambassador Chen also thanked the following for their tireless efforts in making the workshop a success: Bank of Saint Lucia (BOSL), Youth Economy Agency (YEA), Vieux Fort North Constituency Council, and Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM).

“My special thanks to Hon. Minister Moses Jn. Baptiste,” Ambassador Chen added. “Your leadership and guidance make people and the communities in Vieux Fort and the country more resilient and prosperous. Taiwan will continue working  with the Government of Saint Lucia.” Hon. Moses Jn. Baptiste, Parliamentary Representative for Vieux Fort North, was also in attendance at last week Wednesday’s certificate ceremony, where he explained that providing opportunities for Saint Lucians remains a priority for Government.

“The empowerment of young people and women is key to the development of the country because not only can Government not employ everybody, but the future of the country in terms of innovation, entrepreneurship and development of new ideas, comes most of the time from the private sector and young minds,” Hon. Jn. Baptiste said. “If they have the environment, the technology and opportunity, they come out with beautiful ideas that can not only transform themselves and their families, but can also change the world.”

Hon. Jn. Baptiste, who also holds the portfolio of Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, thanked the Government and people to the Republic of China (Taiwan) for their continued support for Saint Lucians. He also commended the participants and wished them success in their future endeavours.

Participant Anneta Henry, who started Rejuvenation Salon & Spa in Soufriere three years ago, said the accounting and marketing aspects of the workshop gave her much food for thought going forward.

“We were told to ensure that we record every single thing, so that at the end of the day, we know where we stand with our profits and expenses, and, generally, how to be successful in business,” she said. “Also, marketing is one of the biggest fields in business, so always promoting your business is important.”

Since launching the Jennès Programme in December 2021, the Taiwan Technical Mission has partnered with several agencies to hosted capacity building training workshops in various areas aimed at sharpening the skills of Saint Lucians, thereby improving their marketability and business sustainability.

(ENDS)