The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Grand Bahama Port Authority’s Business Innovation and e-Commerce Boot Camp is fast approaching and participants can expect to hear from global presenters who will help them compete and grow their businesses.

The event will be held June 8 at the Grand Lucaya Resort and is free to business licensees of the GBPA.

Executives at GBPA are encouraging its licensees to embrace this opportunity to equip themselves with tools to compete both locally and globally.

Ian Rolle, GBPA president, said that the boot camp would showcase global presenters who will provide best practice insights as to how to start and grow businesses through e-commerce.

He stated that there would be an introduction to Shopify, a global platform used to promote and sell products, accept payments and help merchants grow their businesses while they sleep.

“Shopify is one of a few featured presenters, who will deliver an interactive experience, demonstrating practical tools to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners,” Mr Rolle said.

He said that the event would also be promoting various business concepts via a presentation by AeroFarms, global leaders in urban agriculture.

“AeroFarms will demonstrate how their patented aeroponic products can grow greens without sunlight or soil. We believe this can be a transformational opportunity for the agribusiness sector on Grand Bahama,” Mr Rolle said.

The one-day event is said to focus on empowerment of licensees, small business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

LaShawn Dames, business services manager for the IGBSBB, said the event would showcase innovative exhibits from various local businesses.

“We have a highly interactive, brain churning event planned for the business community,” she said. “Participants can expect excellent networking opportunities, the chance to explore powerful methods of customer engagement and satisfaction, as well as an environment for discovering new prospects for business growth and profitability. Those attending can expect a highly productive, results-driven event.”

The GBPA continues to encourage licensees to take advantage of technology, and the company believes that the boot camp will be an ideal learning environment for participants.

Derek Newbold, GBPA senior manager of business development and invest Grand Bahama, said the company is committed to supporting small and medium businesses. He said providing such events are “value added benefits” to GBPA licensees.

“Within our organisation, we are constantly identifying innovative ways to support SMEs. This initiative will be another example of our commitment to enhancing business delivery and diversity here in Freeport,” he said.

Persons are urged to register early as space is limited. Information on registration can be found at GBPA.com or by calling 242-350-9000. The boot camp is free to port licensees and a nominal fee of $50 per person for non-licensees.