FRESH FROM being fully accredited by Youth Business International, the Barbados Youth Business Trust (BYBT) is embarking on a multi-million dollar entrepreneurship project.
General manager Cardelle Fergusson, speaking to the Press after the Trust’s end of year award ceremony at the Island Inn, Aquatic Gap, St Michael, said the $2.3 million Inter-American Development Bank-funded project would provide training for potential entrepreneurs and help them formalise their after-care support programme.
Fergusson said the aim of the BYBT was to help youth, aged 18 to 35, get their business ideas off the ground through assisting in marketing, planning and training. She said those outside that age range could also access support, not financing.
As for the after-care programme, that helps to sustain the businesses once established.
The award ceremony recognised the business partners the BYBT had for the past year as well as the outstanding mentors. It also featured prizes for small businesses in categories such as contribution to society and outstanding commitment as well as awards in the trash to treasure programme.
The latter involved schools which were given cardboard and tasked to make something useful. The St Michael School won the top award by making a handbag. (CA)