The agency concluded its inaugural Business Readiness Workshop on 29-30 April and 2-3 May, at the Finance Administrative Centre in Pointe Seraphine, Castries.
Over the course of four days, more than 75 business owners and aspiring business owners took in sessions from business coaches, sector-specific professionals, collaborative agencies, and corporate partners. Under the auspices of the YEA Training & Development team, highly interactive sessions helped teach participants the lessons they need to build sustainable enterprises.
On the opening day of the workshop, Mr. Bryan Vidal, Chief Executive Officer of YEA, addressed the gathering to note that the workshop is just the latest intervention by the organisation in helping develop a vibrant entrepreneurial culture among young Saint Lucians. He alluded to the disbursement of hundreds of grants, the provision of training to over 200 youth, the hosting of a series of business mixers, and the staging of the first-ever Investment Forum as some of the examples of the agency’s work.
Business mechanic Mrs. Cindy Emmanuel-McLean led the workshop off with a session on the Entrepreneurial Mindset, followed by presentations from the National Insurance Corporation and Inland Revenue Department. On Day 2, the Registry of Companies & Intellectual Property, Customs & Excise Department, and Massy Stores delivered their respective presentations.
Following a midweek break for the Labour Day holiday, the workshop resumed with the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards, a discussion of Legal Considerations by Mr. Thomas Theobalds of Brickstone Law, and a conversation with 1st National Bank about the importance of maintaining business accounts. The four-day event closed out with an exchange led by Export Saint Lucia, and a session on Customer Service Experience, led by self awareness advisor, Ms. Natasha Pascal.
Closing the week out was Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Mr. Rohan Lubon. The activity was strategically timed to cap off Youth Month, which the Ministry celebrated in April.
After four days of intense interaction, those taking part were able to better understand the legal framework associated with business ownership, the transition from employee to employer, the processes associated with getting goods on local supermarket shelves, and the requirements for exporting goods and services beyond Saint Lucia's shores.
Musical entertainment was provided by YEA recipients, including Jason Hippolyte, Oshun, and Al Prince.