By Linda Straker
Graduates of the 4th Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Entrepreneurship course have been encourage to look at business areas that are underserved, as it will create opportunities for them and make a big difference within the business landscape.
That was the message from Jomi Thomas, Owner/Manager of Nirvana Natural Health Clinic when he delivered the feature address at Thursday’s closing ceremony for the 12 persons who completed the four and half month course which was organised by the ECCB with classes held at the T A Marryshow Community College.
He told them that the key to establishing a successful business is being passionate about the idea, especially when it’s different. “Be passionate in whatever business you are doing. Be creative. Be innovative as you take your risk. The key is to be passionate and focus on doing what you know will turn this great idea into a successful idea,” he said.
He recommended that they study the lives and habits of well-known successful entrepreneurs, and apply what can work for their own business idea. “An entrepreneur is a person who takes risk to solve a problem, so solve problems with your niche and unique ideas,” he said.
Head of the ECCB office in Grenada, Linda Felix Berkeley, said that the course is among efforts by the bank to encourage persons within the region to better prepare themselves to becoming successful entrepreneurs.
“It’s helping people to strengthen their skills for development and growth,” she said.
Topics in the courses range from the legal process of registering a business, to developing a business from concept to proposal. Facilitators included Registrar at the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office, Ms Annette Henry; Michael Archibald, Henry Joseph, Yvette Payne-Lewis, and Donald Williams.
21 started the course but only 12 were able to complete the entire course.
