The Dominica Youth Business Trust (DYBT) is proud to have hosted yet another series of events in observance of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2022 from November 12th to November 18th, 2022. This year, the Trust celebrated under the theme "Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem for Inclusivity". Activities were skillfully curated with the aim of stimulating an environment in which all entrepreneurs can feel empowered to express their ideas and grow. Though there were a few setbacks, by all accounts GEW Dominica was indeed a success.
To kick off Global Entrepreneurship Week, Phillip Rolle, DYBT Coordinator, held an information session on a local radio programme, Youth Vibes, on Saturday, November 12th to brief the Dominican public on the upcoming week of events. The following Monday, the DYBT held a live panel discussion on Zoom, which was broadcasted via Facebook and radio on the topic, ‘Social entrepreneurship: An emerging twist on conventional entrepreneurship'. The Trust was elated to host a panel of Social Entrepreneurs across the Caribbean Region which was hosted by Cardelle Fergusson, the general manager of the Barbados Youth Business Trust.
Christianna Paul and Kaira John Dailey, social entrepreneurs from the Dominica Youth Business Trust, Allyson Murray, a social entrepreneur from Barbados, and Kevin Williams, a social entrepreneur from St. Lucia were among the panelists. This panel discussion explored what the relatively new concept of social entrepreneurship is and how it can be used to positively impact communities.
Continuing through the week of activities, the Trust intended to host its 18th Graduation and Award Ceremony on November 16th. Unfortunately, due to the unanticipated General Election announcement and climatic devastation of communities in the southeast district of the island, the ceremony was postponed as many guests and graduates were unable to attend. However, the events continued with the DYBT School Tour on Thursday, November 17th. Staff visited the Dominica State College, Dominica Grammar School, Sineku Primary School (a primary school located in the center of Dominica’s Indigenous population), and St. Martin Secondary School to promote entrepreneurship awareness among youth. By visiting schools, DYBT was able to interact with students who have the ambition to one day start their own business. Through sessions held, the DYBT gave a glimpse into what a future of entrepreneurship might hold.
Finally, after a two-year hiatus as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, DYBT’s Locally Crafted entrepreneurship expo made its powerful return to the GEW activities. Businesses from across the country came down to the ground floor of the Government Headquarters building with a beautiful display of products. From honey products, entertainment material and locally-made liqueurs to home decor, patrons had a wide variety of options to choose from. Through this expo, many entrepreneurs received exposure to wider markets and broadened their customer reach. The Trust also invited schools located in the city to view the expo in an effort to boost entrepreneurship awareness at the primary and secondary school levels.
Despite a few setbacks, the Dominica Youth Business Trust triumphed and ensured that GEW 2022 was a success. Undoubtedly, this demonstrated that DYBT and Dominica's entrepreneurs are incredibly resilient and face adversity head on.