GEW Press Launch - Dominica

The Dominica Youth Business Trust (DYBT) joins 170 countries across the globe in observance of  Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), an initiative of the Kauffman Foundation and Enterprise UK, aimed at nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in the youth. GEW  is promoted by the Youth Business International (YBI) network of which the DYBT is a member. Activities will be held from November 13 to 19 under the theme: “Entrepreneurs Thrive Here”.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development, Oscar George while addressing the launching ceremony, held at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium conference room on Monday, said the DYBT will partner with various public and private sector institutions to host several events to observe Global Entrepreneurship Week.

According to George, the DYBT will kick off the week of activities by fostering a culture of youth entrepreneurship urging students to appreciate and support local endeavours.

“This will take place on Tuesday 14th November to Thursday 16th November,” he said.

George said further that on Thursday, November 16, the Trust will collaborate with the youth officer from the eastern district to host an entrepreneur’s showcase to be held at the Castle Bruce Youth Centre from 10 AM.

“The day’s activity will also include a webinar focusing on cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit in education,” he revealed.

“The event will feature a diverse panel including a mother-daughter entrepreneurial duo, the Executive Director of Junior Achievement Dominica, and other esteemed participants.”

Furthermore, he stated that the DYBT will host its 19th Graduation and Awards Ceremony carded for Wednesday 22nd of November at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium.

“This ceremony will mark the graduation of over 60 young entrepreneurs who have successfully completed various programs offered by the Dominica Youth Business Trust,” George stated. “Additionally, entrepreneurs will be acknowledged and presented with awards, recognition of the outstanding entrepreneur’s endeavours and accomplishment.”

On behalf of the Government of Dominica, George pledged the continued commitment and development of micro, small and medium enterprise sectors.

“We recognize the importance of investing in our young population and will continue to support the work that the DYBT [has] been mandated to undertake,” he noted.

George continued, “I am confident that this week will be more than just a celebration, it will be a testament of the spirit of innovation, collaboration and determination that defines us as a nation.”

Meanwhile, he said the involvement of young people in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem is of great importance as youth have the ability and innovative capacity to find new better solutions for old problems.

“Young people in particular are uniquely positioned to thrive in the space as they are more creative and have more time and more energy,” he said.

George advised young entrepreneurs in Dominica to always remember he/she is running a business, “don’t mix your business operations with other stuff. You [need] a separate account for your business, you have to budget…and also you have to do your market research to understand what the market demands.”

The Dominica Youth Business Trust was officially launched in May 2004 and has given generous support to entrepreneurs since then. Its main target is young persons between the ages of 18 to 35 years old who are desirous of starting or developing a micro or small business. Since its inception, a total of 1,500 entrepreneurs have benefited from the program.