Massy, CDB supporting economic resilience in Barbados

The Nudge community is expanding, nudging Caribbean entrepreneurs towards economic resilience one by one and connecting the Caribbean through its hopes.

Nudge is an ambitious social enterprise, structured to nurture innovative ideas, provide access and build community with entrepreneurs throughout the region.

Founded by creative entrepreneur Anya Ayoung-Chee and Julie Avey, Massy Group’s Senior Vice President of People and Culture, its expansion is powered by the support of the Caribbean Development Bank and the Massy Group.

According to co-founder Anya Ayoung-Chee, “Nudge is aiming to leverage big business resources to support smaller entities and connect the dots between these different worlds, more and more merging these worlds, to harness the incredible amount of talent and skill that the Caribbean region has to offer.”

Lisa Harding, Coordinator of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development at CDB noted that the project aligns with several overlapping areas of focus for the Bank, including building economic resilience, enhancing competitiveness of the region’s private sector and economic empowerment of women.

“Nudge can improve the competitiveness of these participating entrepreneurs’ businesses by strengthening their capacity to use technology more effectively and also through expanding their online market access.

“It’s also noteworthy that around 90 per cent of participants in the current pilot are female and we’re hopeful that Nudge’s programs can enhance the development of female entrepreneurs in the region by providing business and capacity building support to minimise risk and increase their potential access to finance.”

Sparked by a successful launch in Trinidad, the exciting, new initiative has now reached Barbados. Fourteen entrepreneurs were selected in August for a six-week pilot programme at Massy Stores Sunset Crest and Massy Stores Warrens, giving local entrepreneurs the opportunity to grow and reach new markets through beautifully merchandised Market Stalls.

The stalls feature an eclectic mix of #MindfullyMade high end leather belts and wallets, couture shoes and bags, t-shirts, scented candles, ashtrays from the ash of Soufriere, obi wrap belts with a uniquely Bajan flair, Barbados dollar coasters, organic soaps, loc jewelry, crystals, waist beads, hand blown glass figurines, jewelry, body butters, scrubs, lotions, natural conditioners and shampoos.

Each brand represented at the Nudge Market Stalls is a reflection of the passion and quality craftsmanship that goes into each piece created by local makers.

The pilot cohort at the Nudge Market Stalls at Massy Stores in Barbados featured: Bespoke Barbados, Alexsandra Pile Cosmetics, Earth Leather Collections, Native Caribbean, OkoyebyKim, Handmade by Kae, Honey Child, Nuh Broughtupsy, Tk Cosmetics, Loc Muse Creations,
Catori’s Barbados, Stonez Barbados, Waistbeads Barbados and Torchworkx.

Marking this first pilot a success, locals can look forward to more. The official launch of Nudge Market Stalls unfurled on October 21 and was streamed live on Nudge Caribbean’s YouTube channel. Interested individuals will have more opportunities to try something new, love-up on local and support these visionaries and innovators in store tomorrow Friday at Massy Stores Sunset Crest and Massy Stores Warrens from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until December 19.

If you have an exciting business idea and a burning desire to contribute to your community and change the world, Nudge is looking for you. Share your dream and become part of the Nudge community.

Apply at nudgecaribbean.com. (PR)