It’s Global Entrepreneurship Week!

Tue Nov 19, 2013

Editor: Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is the world’s largest celebration of innovators and job creators who launch start-ups that bring ideas to life. This year, it is being celebrated in over 140 countries worldwide from November 18-24, 2013. Youth Business SVG is the official host in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the second consecutive year.{{more}}

GEW is more than just an awareness campaign. It is a platform for connection and collaboration, engaging all players along the entrepreneurship spectrum in strengthening ecosystems around the world.

At YBSVG, we recognize the vital role that entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth, creating opportunity, and driving innovation in the developing world. Unfortunately, entrepreneurs in many countries like ours are forced to channel their resourcefulness and drive into overcoming artificial barriers like convoluted registration procedures, lack of property rights, or difficulty in obtaining financing, rather than starting and growing their businesses. It is why we need the support of the private sector in advocating for entrepreneurship-friendly policies that help build a supportive “ecosystem” for entrepreneurship success.

Congratulations to Young Americas Business Trust (YABT) and UNDP Barbados on their recent effort to enhance the support system for young entrepreneurs. To accomplish this task, both organisations, through a joint partnership, conducted a ‘mapping exercise that assesses the current entrepreneurial programs in the CARICOM Member States, identify potential matches between the needs of young entrepreneurs with available services, and help build a comprehensive strategy that will benefit both service providers and young entrepreneurs.’ It is even more interesting that today (Tuesday, 19th November, 2013), the local stakeholders’ conference for this exercise is being held in SVG, though not part of the official program of GEW 2013.

The point is, many organisations and individuals are playing their role is fostering entrepreneurship and building feasible climatic conditions for entrepreneurs to strive. It is the amalgamation, strengthening and co-ordination of these programs I believe YABT and UNDP Barbados want to accomplish.

On behalf of the executive council, staff, volunteers, partners and supporters of YBSVG, I say congratulations to our budding entrepreneurs and those considering starting their own businesses. Our partners have been of great support.

The activities of GEW 2013 are limited, compared to 2012. However, we wish to publicly thank LIME, St Vincent Brewery, NBC Radio, Praise FM and SVGBC for partnering with us for GEW 2013. A special thank you is extended to the editor of SEARCHLIGHT and the entire staff for always publishing YBSVG’s articles.

We are indeed grateful for all our partners, well-wishers and supporters! Thank you and we look forward to your continued support.

On behalf of YBSVG,

Kenrick D. Quashie