SBA launches Back to School support programme

The Small Business Association (SBA) has unveiled its Back to School Support Programme, marking its inaugural year with a significant contribution of $12,000.

This initiative comes at a crucial time when many parents are grappling with the costs of preparing their children for the new academic year.

The announcement was made during the launch of SBA Week, which runs from Sunday, September 22 to Saturday, September 28.

Dr Lynette Holder, the SBA’s chief executive officer, said the association had identified two charitable organisations—Bank Hall New Testament Church of God and Women of Excellence and Empowerment Ministries—as the recipients of this year’s funds. The programme aims to support families in need as they prepare for the new school term.

“This is a time when parents are struggling with procuring back to school supplies and ensuring that they have their children ready, their wards ready for the September term. It is our intention to have this as an annual exercise going forward,” Holder stated.

She also expressed gratitude to SBA members for their contributions, which have made the programme possible.

The SBA Week, now in its 21st year, has garnered the largest number of sponsors to date, with contributions coming from as far afield as Nigeria. Flow Business, the title sponsor for the past six years, has pledged continued support for digital initiatives aimed at small to micro businesses.

“Connectivity is not just a technological advancement but a force that can redefine the fortunes of our entrepreneurs,” Andrea Liverpool, senior manager, b2b, South Caribbean – Flow, said. “To the Small Business Association of Barbados and its membership, please continue to count on Flow Business to enable your dreams, facilitate your growth, and be your partner in progress.”

Liverpool emphasised the transformative impact of digital tools on small businesses in Barbados, stating that connectivity was “empowering entrepreneurs to reach new markets, engage more customers, and expand their horizons” beyond the traditional markets.

SBA Week features a range of activities, starting with a church service and including the X Leo Leacock Memorial Lecture on September 24, where former prime minister and leader of the opposition in St Lucia, Allen Chastanet, will be the speaker.

The full schedule of events is as follows:

• Sunday, September 22: Church Service at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Jemmotts Lane, St Michael at 10 a.m.
• Tuesday, September 24: X Leo Leacock Memorial Lecture at Walcott Warner Theatre, Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination, UWI Cave Hill, St Michael at 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 25: Regional Colloquium on the State of the Sector (Webinar) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Thursday, September 26: Youth Forum at Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St Michael at 9:30 a.m.
• Thursday, September 26: Annual General Meeting (Online) at 3 p.m.
• Friday, September 27: Awards Event at Savannah Beach Club & Hotel, Garrison, Christ Church at 6 p.m.

(IMC)