The Tribune

FOR four weeks, more than 80 Elizabeth constituents gathered at Vision of Hope Cathedral Church of God and Thelma Gibson Primary School for a small business symposium facilitated by their MP Ryan Pinder and small business consultant Mark Turnquest.

This four-week programme began May 4 and ended May 25.

The Elizabeth Small Business Symposium is part of Mr Pinder’s Economic Empowerment platform.

The objectives of the four-week symposium were to educate, train and prepare residents of the Elizabeth constituency to start their own business.

“This symposium is designed to provide the resources needed for current business owners to enhance and further develop their businesses. For those interested in starting their own business, this workshop is an investment in the future success and economic viability of those businesses. This symposium assists you all in being well prepared, well organised and most importantly well informed of financing opportunities available to you and ways you could further develop your businesses,” Mr Pinder said.

During the workshops, Mr Turnquest focused on planning and execution, the business module, marketing and financial plans, business structure and organisational plans.

He also shared a progress report on the SME Act and Development Agency. Many participants expressed how important this symposium has been to the future of their businesses.

One participant, Deidre Bodie, said: “Minister Pinder, keep up the great work. Money is good, but knowledge is far greater. Once again thank you.

“Mr Turnquest was excellent and gave me that much needed boost to just do it. He is indeed an expert, the best of the best.”

Another, Sindear Johnson, said: “I am glad that Minister Pinder is investing in his constituents by teaching them how to fish and not to depend on the fisherman to bring them the fish.

“I took advantage of this grand opportunity because this is a great project introduced.”