The Barbados Small Business Association (SBA) has seen an almost tenfold increase in its membership base from 100 in the initial stages to over 800 members today.

Speaking during the SBA’s 15th Anniversary Awards ceremony and dinner at Hilton Barbados recently, newly-elected president Celeste Foster said the association attracted 13 new members each month.

While crediting the SBA for providing access to training opportunities and other support services to members, Foster warned: “We, however, cannot rest on our laurels; there is much work yet to be done and the focus of our work will be on achieving further growth of the organisation.”

In keeping with the SBA’s 2012 strategic plan, she gave the assurance that the association will continue to assist small retailers in growing their operations to full-fledged enterprises.

“The mind-set which we need to inculcate in our members is one of graduation and the need for the pursuit of business paradigms that would lead to growth. So, we will focus on improving our administrative services and building business capacity in preparation for entry into the export market,” Ms. Foster added.

The SBA president urged members to support the organisation’s efforts in attaining its long-term goals.

Meanwhile, Minister of Trade, Industry and Commerce, George Hutson, said Government would continue to act as a catalyst in the expansion of the small business sector. This would be achieved by creating an enabling environment for creativity and innovation, fair competition and entrepreneurial development.

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