On Wednesday, 29 January 2020, the Grenada Investment Development Corporation (GIDC) with funding from the Climate Smart Agriculture and Rural Enterprise Programme (SAEP) launched its Enterprise Business Development Component at the GIDC Conference Room in Frequente, St George.
The launch was attended by 50 youths from rural communities across the state of Grenada. These youths have passed a rigorous selection process and are the first batch of trainees to begin the Entrepreneurial Training. It comprises of 33 days of training in Life Skills, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Remedial Math, Remedial English, Entrepreneurial Skills Development and Grant Proposal Writing.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GIDC, Ronald Theodore in his welcome remarks, expressed the full support of the GIDC Board in this youth business development initiative. In addition, he mentioned a fitting quote from Albert Einstein, “Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”
Head of the Rural Development Unit and the Programme Manager of SAEP, Byron Campbell congratulated all the participants in attendance. He also discussed the investment the Government of Grenada has provided to alleviate the high unemployment rates among youths in Grenada. He expounded the importance of the participant’s dedication to the course since this is crucial to ensure that their small businesses succeed in today’s business environment. In addition, he congratulated the GIDC Team on the tremendous work completed to commence the Entrepreneurial Training during the month of January.
On completion of the Entrepreneurial Training, all 50 participants have the opportunity to access the Business Grant Financing provides financing for individuals up to EC$22,500. The Entrepreneurial Skills Training is one of the activities outlined within the Memorandum of understanding between the Government of Grenada and the GIDC valued at $6.7 million. The GIDC team has given their commitment to training a total of 500 youths using the Business Model which comprises of Training and Business Hand holding support towards small business generation.
The SAEP Programme is pleased to have reached this milestone in collaboration with the GIDC. SAEP continues to fulfill its commitment to providing opportunities for Business Development, Support and increase the level of youth empowerment through its Enterprise Business Development.
For further information, please call 435-6802/3/442-0105, or email saep@saep.gov.gd
SAEP Communications Unit
