Dr. Justin Ram headlines STOSEC

The Small Business Association of Barbados will host the second annual State of the Sector Conference (STOSEC) during Small Business Week 2020 – ‘The Virtual Edition’, on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, streamed live to the region on the SBA’s Facebook page and via Zoom.

The conference will zero in on how small businesses are faring in the current socio-economic environment brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and what can be done to promote and accelerate small business recovery. This timely discussion will also seek to inspire small business owners to think creatively and innovatively at this time, acknowledging that there are still considerable technological avenues and opportunities available, to be utilised.

Former director of economics at the Caribbean Development bank, Dr. Justin Ram, will provide greater insight and invaluable input in this critical discussion as the keynote speaker. Additionally, Minister of Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Commerce, the Hon. Kerrie D. Symmonds MP, will deliver the feature address, in his first public forum to the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector. As a result, existing and potential entrepreneurs and business owners, are encouraged to register and participate in the regional conference online, so as to explore solutions to strengthen their businesses and to navigate this digital era of disruption.

CEO of the SBA, Senator Dr. Lynette Holder, while promoting the signature event, commented that she was pleased to have the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) on board as title sponsor once again for this year’s Small Business Week. Dr. Holder further remarked that as the association takes a more regional focus to its activities, partners such as the CEDA will help to build the capacity and provide the networks needed to broaden the scope for MSMEs.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a functioning CSME, as this expanded market for goods and services will help small firms to realise some sustainability in the ensuing months as economies seek to recover”, the senator posited. The experiences and perspectives of Dr Ram, as a regional economist, will further assist in positioning the sector to explore the growth possibilities at the regional level.

Persons interested in joining the conference online should register using the link below or contact the SBA at 228-0162. Registration Link: tiny.cc/stosec2