The Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation,(BAIC) and the College of the Bahamas have joined hands to host a 10 week business empowerment seminar beginning February 1 to April 5.
The purpose of the seminar is to sensitize Bahamians of the business opportunities available to them now, and to encourage them to exploit the opportunities, thereby empowering them to become self-employed.
Mr. Michael Halkitis, chairman of BAIC and Member of Parliament for the Adelaide constituency embraced the seminar and called on Bahamians to take full advantage of the opportunities available to start and continue small businesses.
“The purpose of these seminars which are free to the general public, is to provide potential, budding and existing entrepreneurs and business persons with broad exposure to proven successful business strategies, best practices and real life business experiences,” Mr Halkitis told a press conference at the BAIC’S executive boardroom on East Bay Street Monday morning.
“These interactive seminars will give entrepreneurs and business persons tools that will enhance their knowledge and improve their business acumen, as well as seek to create a sustaining, dynamic and successful cadre of individuals equipped for the global arena,” he added.
The initial series will be conducted once per week-each Thursday- over a 10-week period, and will cover such topics as business planning, funding, accounting, expense control, forecasting, marketing, information technology and human resources.
“Additionally, there will be a segment during each session for testimonials from successful business persons,” he added. “These seminars will also enhance the capacity of entrepreneurs and business persons to benefit from anchor projects throughout the Bahamas.
“The Corporation is aware of the role that small businesses play in the economy, especially as it relates to job creation. The Corporation is also mindful that properly operated small business enterprises can provide at a high level needed goods and services to the Bahamian economy, keeping pace with future projects and developments. It must be noted that financing a business is important, but having the expertise to operate that business is critical to its success,” he said.
Mrs. Remelda Moxey, chair of the School of Business at COB was enthusiastic about the seminar.
“The College of the Bahamas and the School of Business in particular is very pleased to be asked by BAIC to participate in such a venture,” she said..