Marketplace initiative to get more eyes for small businesses during T20 World Cup

The island’s business development organisations are collaborating to give over 100 small business owners an opportunity to push their products and brands during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June.

The entrepreneurs will be stationed in the heart of The City each Saturday starting from June 8, getting the opportunity to showcase their offerings to locals and tourists.

The month-long event is called the Emerging Entrepreneurs Broad Street Mall Marketplace.

During the launch of the marketplace at Pelican Village on Friday, Senior Development Officer at Barbados Trust Fund Limited (BTFL), Neisha Holder said this was a one-of-a-kind initiative.

“This is something very unique that hasn’t been seen yet. We’re going to be showcasing over 100 entrepreneurs each Saturday in the heart of Bridgetown on Saturdays . . . . This is an event that we are hoping to take onward from Bridgetown to each community throughout the island in the near future,” she said. 

The motorcade moving along the Princess Alice Highway in The City. (HG)

We are excited to bring this initiative to our entrepreneurs to continue to showcase and continue to personally develop them as we seek to encourage them to export their products as that’s a very important mission to each agency here.”

The marketplace will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with lots on display, including fashion and food. There will also be cultural performances to keep the atmosphere lively.

Broad Street will be closed off to motorists to facilitate the event.

BTFL General Manager Gerald Amos said he was pleased that over the six years of his organisation’s existence, more than 5 000 clients received financial and development support. Just over $22 million has been distributed in loans, he added.

The Emerging Entrepreneurs Broad Street Mall Marketplace is being held in conjunction with the Small Business Association, Fund Access, Export Barbados, the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme and the Barbados Youth Business Trust. 

After the launch, there was a motorcade throughout Bridgetown to promote the initiative. (SZB)