Organic food. Fashion accessories. Books. Cosmetics. Marine technologies. Solar equipment.
All were among the many products and services on display at the Buy BVI Trade Expo May 17-18 at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex.
The event, which is organised annually by the BVI Chamber of Commerce, showcased 35 businesses from Tortola and St. Thomas, organisers said.
“The Buy BVI Trade Expo is a dynamic platform for customer engagement, generating sales leads and boosting brand awareness,” BVICC Chairwoman Shaina Smith-Archer said during the opening ceremony on Friday morning. “After the hiatus caused by the 2017 hurricanes and the 2020 pandemic, we are thrilled to see this event firmly re-established as an annual fixture.”
For the first time this year, the expo also included a youth entrepreneur category for business owners under 18.
“We are excited to support the next generation of entrepreneurs,” Ms. Smith-Archer said. “Their participation brings fresh ideas and energy to the expo, and we are thrilled to see young talent being nurtured in our community.”
VG restaurant
Leilani Stevens-Roberts, owner of the Virgin Gorda-based Island Pot restaurant, delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony.
“The Island Pot was taking off, but then suddenly it was quickly taken away on September 6, 2017, by the devastating Hurricane Irma,” Ms. Stevens-Roberts recalled.
She didn’t let that devastation hold her back.
“We used the time to regroup and think things through for a great comeback,” she said. “We were out of business for four years, but in 2022 I decided to take over the management of the restaurant and stepped things up a notch.”
The business, which started with a seating capacity of 20 in 1994, can now host up to 100 people, she said.
The entrepreneur emphasised the importance of perseverance in achieving success.
“We face hurdles, setbacks and uncertainties that will deter the faint of heart, but it is in these moments of challenge that true strength and resilience shines through,” she said.
Networking
For many exhibitors, the expo was not just about showcasing products but also about networking with fellow entrepreneurs.
“The Buy BVI Trade Expo allows people throughout the community and the world to engage with small businesses and interact directly with business owners,” said Arona Fahie-Forbes, owner of an organic produce business called Arona’s Market Place. “It’s a great opportunity to see what local businesses have to offer and build connections.”
Chenica Sommersel of Kheni Cloud, a small graphic and visual illustration business, said she was able to participate thanks to sponsor support.
“The Trade Expo seemed like a really great opportunity because I remember coming here when I was a child, and I enjoyed looking around and seeing the businesses that were here before,” Ms. Sommersel said. “So I thought, ‘Why not?’”
Lauralee Mercer, the chamber’s event coordinator, was pleased to see similar businesses exchanging ideas instead of competing.
“It’s very interesting looking at how they interact with each other,” she said. “We have businesses actively engaging each other like: ‘Who’s your vendor?’ ‘Where did you get this?’ ‘How did you get to where you are?’ There’s mentoring happening, and I’m really happy.”
Exhibitors also included non-profit organisations such as the BVI Diabetes Association, which provided health services including blood-sugar and blood-pressure tests.
Awards
The expo concluded on Saturday with an awards ceremony celebrating outstanding exhibitors. Winners included solar-equipment provider Back It UPS and jewellery designer Be Charmed, which both were honoured for “Best Biz Pitch.”
An event-planning service, Creative Creations, received the award for “Most Creative Booth,” while Creative Kids Nation, a youth entrepreneur business, won the “People’s Choice Award.”
‘Entrepreneur Hero’
The “Entrepreneur Hero Award” went to Ernest “Popeye” Scatliffe, who was praised for his dedication to wide-ranging business endeavours, including running a gas station, a snack bar, a sound and stage production company, and a stationery store.
As the expo wrapped up on Saturday afternoon, participants were already making plans for the next edition of the event.
“People are planning to come bigger and better next year,” Ms. Mercer said.
Ms. Smith-Archer was pleased.
“We thought the event was very successful,” she said.
“We again had a really great turnout. The public was also enthused.”