Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, Patrick Todd,?? addressing the Small Business Association’s (SBA) Entrepreneurial Training Series graduation.??
More Barbadians are being urged to pursue entrepreneurship as a means of making a living in the face of dwindling job opportunities in the labour market.
This advice has come from Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, Patrick Todd, as he addressed the Small Business Association’s (SBA) Entrepreneurial Training Series graduation.?? The event took place last Monday, in the Bagnall’s Point Gallery, Pelican Craft Centre, Princess Alice Highway, St. Michael.
He added: "The prevailing challenging global economic conditions have resulted in a spirit of entrepreneurship enveloping our society.?? With a dearth of employment opportunities in the labour market, increasingly, individuals are turning to self-employment and entrepreneurship in general, as legitimate sources of income to provide for themselves and their families."
Mr. Todd also explored the link between information technology and improved business operations. "Essentially, information and communications technology has made it possible for businesses to be open 24 hours a day, which would allow them global accessibility.?? It would, therefore, be possible for a business to be open anytime,
anywhere, and to negotiate transactions with businesses from different countries, in an easier and more convenient manner."
President of the SBA, Celeste Foster, said in recessionary times, entrepreneurs must upgrade their skills and improve their educational attainment. "It gives us an opportunity when business may not be at its peak, to plan, reflect, and learn and to grow.?? Therefore, it is opportune that the SBA at this time is able to put on some courses, which are relevant to the small and medium-sized sector."
She urged the graduands to apply the knowledge gained during the computer classes to improve the efficiency of their businesses. "We have always had to rely on our education system, which is our greatest resource,?? to move forward."
Ms. Foster noted: "In times of recession it becomes even more important for that human resource to be so equipped to move the economy forward. Thus, it is important for you to participate in learning and educational programmes."