EmpowerHer celebrates 41 women for entrepreneurial achievement

The Small Business Association of Barbados (SBA), in partnership with the Bureau of Gender Affairs, recently celebrated the successful completion of another cohort of the EmpowerHer: Building Futures Through Entrepreneurship Programme, with 41 women receiving certificates during a ceremony held at Pelican House.

The presentation marked the culmination of an intensive entrepreneurship programme designed to equip women with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills required to establish and grow sustainable businesses.

EmpowerHer forms part of the SBA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening women’s participation in entrepreneurship and advancing economic empowerment through strategic partnerships. The programme brought together women who either own start up operations or aspire to launch their own enterprises, representing a diverse range of industries including social media management, culinary arts, landscaping, concierge and travel services, make-up artistry, floral design and skincare.

Over the duration of the programme, participants completed an intensive curriculum covering business planning, financial management, financial literacy, marketing, legal and regulatory compliance, customer service, pitching and business sustainability. Delivered through interactive sessions, practical assignments and peer learning, the programme was designed to provide participants with the practical tools needed to move confidently from business idea to viable enterprise.

A key highlight of the programme was the final Business Pitch exercise, where participants presented their business concepts using structured business frameworks and visual tools. The exercise demonstrated not only the practical application of the training but also the readiness of participants to engage in entrepreneurial activity.

Dr Lynette Holder, chief executive officer of the SBA, underscored the importance of investing in women entrepreneurs as a catalyst for national economic development.

Drawing on findings from the SBA’s 2026 National Survey of the Small Business Sector, she noted that the research reaffirmed the significant and growing contribution of womenowned enterprises to Barbados’ entrepreneurial landscape while highlighting the need for continued investment in programmes that strengthen their capacity to build resilient and competitive businesses.

Dr Holder admonished the graduates that “Today’s certificate is not the destination; it is your licence to pursue greater possibilities. Build boldly, think strategically and never be afraid to scale your business. She added, “the entrepreneurial ecosystem exists to support your journey, so make full use of every resource, every partnership, every training opportunity and every network available to you.”

She further emphasised that entrepreneurship requires continuous learning, innovation and resilience, encouraging graduates to remain engaged with the SBA’s suite of business support services as they continue to develop their enterprises.

Bureau of Gender Affairs representativ Laura Burnett, expressed appreciation for the continued collaboration with the SBA and commended the graduates for their dedication throughout the programme.

Burnett said, “the Bureau of Gender Affairs is proud to have partnered with the SBA on this meaningful initiative.

EmpowerHer has demonstrated how targeted training, mentorship and collaboration can transform lives by providing women with the knowledge, confidence and practical tools needed to achieve meaningful entrepreneurial success”.

Beyond technical business training, EmpowerHer seeks to address broader structural challenges faced by women in the labour market by creating pathways to financial independence, business ownership and long-term economic resilience.

Through entrepreneurship, the initiative contributes to stronger households, more resilient communities and wider national development.

(PR)