Graduates of the Barbados Trust Fund Limited’s (BTFL) Manufest Manufacturing Incubator Programme have been encouraged to see that institution as one that can contribute to their business’ success and utilise its services.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Business, Keisha Reid, expressed this view as she gave remarks on Wednesday evening, at the graduation ceremony of the 2023 Edition of the Manufest Manufacturing Incubator Programme (Cohort Two), at Bagnall Point Training Room, Pelican Village, St. Michael.
Ms. Reid told the students: “Do not see the entity and its staff as only a financial institution for the provision of loans. Instead, embrace it as a contributor to your business’ growth and to your personal development. Continue to access those services which are designed for the sole purpose of providing a step up on the road to the next leg of your journey to success.”
The Deputy Permanent Secretary expressed the view that having completed the programme, the knowledge gained ensured participants were now better equipped to take their business to the next level.
Describing it as a “transformative initiative”, she explained that the programme was designed to scale up Barbadian businesses in product and business development, while honing the managerial skills of participants.
Ms. Reid pointed out that through the programme, participants were provided with the opportunity to participate in several tradeshows, showcases, expos, and farmers’ markets to provide them with additional markets.
She added that they were also given a platform to showcase and sample their products.