Pelican Rebirth: From quiet craft village to bustling business centre

Pelican Village, once a quiet craft hub, has been transformed into a thriving centre for small business development under the guidance of Export Barbados. This strategic initiative has created a vibrant ecosystem where approximately 50 small businesses are receiving crucial support to grow and potentially expand into global markets.

Mark Hill, chief executive officer of Export Barbados, emphasises the comprehensive approach taken to foster entrepreneurship in the village. The focus extends beyond providing operational space, encompassing essential tools, training, and support necessary for success in an increasingly competitive world.

“We’ve worked hard to make Pelican [Village] a place where small businesses can not only survive but thrive,” Hill told Barbados TODAY. “We want these entrepreneurs to think big, to see beyond the local market, and to understand that with the right foundation, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.”

The transformation is rooted in a strategy that prioritises practical, hands-on training. Regular town hall meetings address critical business aspects such as pricing strategies, customer presentation, and marketing. International experts conduct workshops on branding and design, highlighting their importance in today’s market. 

“We want these small businesses to understand that good design and effective branding can make all the difference. It’s not just about having a great product—it’s about presenting that product in a way that resonates with consumers, both locally and internationally,” he explained.

Export Barbados’ initiative aims to establish a solid foundation for these businesses, enabling them to scale up and eventually enter global markets. Comprehensive training in essential business skills, including accounting, auditing, and supply chain management, is provided. An AI tool is being developed to assist with tasks like managing national insurance contributions, further supporting business growth and sustainability.

The success of the Pelican Village initiative is evident in the growing number of businesses and the jobs they create. Hill noted that even during the low season, each business employs between three to four people, contributing significantly to local employment and economic development.

Pelican Village was one of the fan zones during the recent Cricket World Cup.

“When we talk about small business development, it’s not just talk. We’re creating real opportunities for employment and economic growth,” he said.

The village has fostered a collaborative environment where entrepreneurs share ideas and support each other. This sense of community is a key factor in the project’s success, creating a dynamic and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. The diversity of businesses, ranging from food stalls and craft shops to tech startups, further enhances this ecosystem. 

“We’ve created an environment where entrepreneurs can share ideas, collaborate on projects, and support each other,” Hill said. “This sense of community is one of the things that makes Pelican [Village] so special.”

Looking ahead, Export Barbados plans to expand the number of entrepreneurs at the location and continue enhancing the training programmes offered. Hill aims to have at least 100 entrepreneurs in training at any given time. Moreover, there’s a vision for Pelican Village to become a model for small business development across the Caribbean.

“We believe that the success we’ve had here can be replicated in other parts of the region,” the Export Barbados CEO boasted. “We want Pelican [Village] to be seen as a blueprint for how small businesses can grow and succeed in a competitive global market.” (RG)