The Tribune

BY ANNELIA NIXON

TRIBUNE BUSINESS REPORTER

anixon@tribunemedia.net

THE SMALL Business Development Centre (SBDC) Bahamas officially launched its “Back to Da’ Island” Family Island initiative during a community event held on August 13, at Resorts World Bimini.

The launch brought together Bimini residents, entrepreneurs, community leaders and stakeholders, reflecting strong local support for the initiative, which is designed to expand access to business training, advisory services and funding opportunities for Family Island entrepreneurs.

“Back to Da’ Island” will be implemented in three cohorts across participating islands. The first cohort includes entrepreneurs from: Bimini, Berry Islands, San Salvador, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Cat Island, Ragged Island and Long Cay

The initiative aims to provide expert-led virtual training, personalised support from Island Advisors and opportunities for participants to apply for grant funding to help grow and strengthen their businesses.

Also in attendance was the Member of Parliament for Bimini and Berry Islands, who addressed the gathering and reaffirmed his support for economic development in the Family Islands.

“As your Member of Parliament, this is one of the greatest joys, to be able to serve you people,” he said. “And as a Member of Parliament, it is my job also to create opportunities, not for one set of people, but for every single person, and that is what we intend to do — create opportunities for every single person.”

Delivering remarks on behalf of SBDC Bahamas, Executive Director Samantha L Rolle emphasised the importance of ensuring entrepreneurs in the Family Islands have equitable access to the tools and resources needed to succeed.

“We’ve come to the island of Bimini to launch the Back to Da’ Island initiative,” she said. “This initiative was designed specifically for existing and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout our Family Islands. It represents a commitment to move beyond simply talking about inclusion and towards providing the dedicated, practical assistance necessary to help businesses launch, grow and become sustainable.”

“I truly, sincerely, with all of my heart, believe in the potential and the support that is needed and required for Family Islands.”

Ms Rolle noted that “Back to Da’ Island” represents a strategic investment in local talent, innovation and sustainable economic growth, particularly in communities where small businesses play a vital role in employment and community development.

“The Back to Da’ Island initiative is not just another programme,” she said. “It represents a new approach to how we think about entrepreneurship and economic participation across our archipelago. It says that where you live should not limit what you can build. It says that entrepreneurs in our smallest and most remote communities deserve the same opportunity to develop their ideas, strengthen their businesses and access meaningful assistance.”

The event also featured participation from other community leaders and stakeholders, who welcomed the initiative and encouraged residents to take advantage of the opportunities it presents.

“Back to Da’ Island” forms part of SBDC Bahamas’ continued commitment to strengthening micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) throughout The Bahamas, with a special focus on increasing support for entrepreneurs in the Family Islands.

Applications for the first cohort are currently open, with training scheduled to begin later this month.