The next generation of homegrown entrepreneurs was celebrated as the future of the Virgin Islands during a recent awards ceremony.

The gathering on Dec. 1 followed a three-week Entrepreneur Training Programme organised by the Department of Trade and Investment Promotion and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

The ceremony, where 20 awards were handed out, marked a milestone for an inaugural programme designed to strengthen the territory’s “entrepreneurial ecosystem by equipping aspiring business owners with practical skills, technical knowledge and industry-relevant training,” according to a government press release.

Financial Services and Economic Development Junior Minister Lorna Smith said the programme is helping build a vibrant, resilient economy.

“Every step you take to strengthen your business helps strengthen the territory as a whole,” she told attendees.

“As a government, we’re working to make that path as smooth as possible, improving the business environment, modernising systems and creating more space for people to grow their ideas.”

Community

Ronald Brunson, HLSCC’s vice president of academic affairs, said the college was delighted to continue working with the government on the programme.

“Partnerships like this remind us that we are not just here to educate students but also empower the community at large,” he said.

Lincoln Bobb, director of the Department of Trade and Investment Promotion, said his agency will continue to support small and medium-sized enterprises across the territory.

He added that the government will back the rollout of the second Entrepreneur Training Programme in early February.

“The department will also introduce a structured mentorship programme that pairs emerging entrepreneurs with seasoned business professionals, providing essential guidance to help new ventures navigate common start-up challenges,” he said.

Mr. Bobb added the government is nearing the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the University of Malta and HLSCC to establish a “global knowledge exchange.”

The MSME Grant Programme, he said, will also continue, with eligible business owners invited to apply for funding that will be awarded “through a merit-based process by a Cabinet-appointed committee.”

For more information, contact the department 468-4289 or bvinbb@gov.vg.