The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter 

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A local non-profit is aiming to promote entrepreneurship within the inner city and likely see its over-the-hill incubator initiative replicated in similar communities.​

Lend A Hand Bahamas, which was incorporated in 2014 and is based in the Bain and Grants Town community, recently held its entrepreneurial pitch event at the Atlantis Paradise Island resort. The event, according to Lend A Hand Bahamas’ Chairman Lucas Metropulos, is part of a larger effrot by the organisation to bolster entrepreneurial efforts in the over-the-hill communities. Last week, the organisation launched its Over-the-Hill Incubator Program from which youth and adult participants will receive mentorship and resources throughout the year. Of the 20 plus persons attending the workshop, six individuals were afforded the opportunity to present their ideas at the pitch event last Friday. ​

“The entrepreneurial pitch event was an idea we wanted to do for a while. We wanted to really promote entrepreneurship in the community. For this past week they had an incubator where kids attended workshops with different people coming in. There were different guest speakers who came in and led workshops on things like marketing and finance. The kids also got the opportunity to put forth their ideas and match them mentors who helped them develop a business plan and began having conversations about building and growing their ideas,” said Metropolus.​

He continued: “There were six persons selected from about 20 or so to pitch their ideas at the event. It wasn’t intended to be a shark tank type event where the kids got grilled but an opportuity where the kids got good advice to move forward. It was more of a learning opportunity for the kids.”​

Among the ideas presented were a ride sharing service, a grocery delivery service, a Bahamian beauty product line and a handcraft business.​

“Now for a whole year, everyone and not just the six individuals who pitched, but about 22 individuals who participated in the weeklong program and want to continue with their idea can do so. They will have access to continued mentorship and the opportuity to develop a more robust business plan. They will be able to do this at our training centre. Out of the 20 I’m sure there are going to be several who want to continue with their ideas. I think this is going to be a great annual event. It’s a model we hope others will look to replicate in other urban-like communities in The Bahamas.”