The forum provided a unique platform for emerging companies to showcase their goods and services. Attendees, including aspiring business individuals, had the opportunity to learn from presentations delivered by subject-matter experts, business coaches, and fellow young entrepreneurs from Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean.
YEA’s Chief Operations Officer, Khrystal Riviere, said the Forum positions burgeoning enterprises to survive and thrive.
“Today we gather, not merely as spectators, but as active participants in a crucial dialogue about the evolution of businesses from their humble beginnings in the micro stage to the towering heights of large enterprises,” the COO declared.
The Forum is aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs to make wise investment decisions. In 2023’s Business Performance Survey, only 6% of businesses testified to decreasing their investment input. According to the report, 32% of businesses will increase their investments, while the remaining 62% will maintain their investments.
The YEA, Riviere says, will provide the initial capital youth need to start their investments.
“In a world where resources are finite, the Prime Minister and our Government have not only spoken about the youth economy but have also allocated valuable resources to nurture it. The Youth Investment Forum is a reflection of the Government's passion and belief in the potential of our youth. It signifies a strategic move to expose microenterprises to diverse funding opportunities, guiding them through the various cycles of growth from micro and small to medium and large,” she said.
His Excellency Peter Chen, Ambassador of the Republic of China affirmed his Government's commitment to continued support for initiatives of this kind.
“This forum is not just a stage for listening, but a platform for collaboratively constructing the blueprint for the youth entrepreneurs. The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) remains committed to partnering with the Government of Saint Lucia to assist and invest in more young individuals in seizing entrepreneurial opportunities, thereby transforming not only individual lives but also shaping the future of our nations.”
Dr. Tamu Petra Browne of St. Kitts and Nevis spoke on Game Changers: Businesses of the Future – The Next Big Thing. Mr. Raphael Saul of Barbados delivered the Feature Presentation - Investing in Youth Entrepreneurship (Millennials & Gen Z as Trailblazers). Other presenters included Dr. James Fletcher; Dr. Donatian Gustave; Mr. Clemvio Hodge; and Mrs. Dona Regis-Prosper.