Empowering Entrepreneurs: Building Bankable Businesses Financial Literacy Programme

Introduction

Minister Duggins announced that over 300 businesses have been supported in just over two years. Small business owners and entrepreneurs in Saint Kitts and Nevis are encouraged to sign up for the Building Bankable Businesses Financial Literacy Programme, a new initiative designed to empower entrepreneurs with the tools they need to grow, succeed, and achieve financial success.

Programme Overview

The programme is implemented by the Ministry of Small Business, Entrepreneurship, Cooperatives and the Creative Economy in collaboration with the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank. A media launch was held on April 24, 2025, to generate public awareness.

Programme Features

The Building Bankable Business features an intense six-week boot camp-style training that will equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge to streamline business operations and improve opportunities to access financing. Course material includes budgeting, cash flow management, understanding financial statements, and strategies to manage debt. Sessions on wellness and personal financial health are also offered, emphasizing that a healthy entrepreneur is the foundation of a healthy, thriving business.

Key Highlights

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Small Business, Entrepreneurship, Cooperatives and the Creative Economy, Delrine Taylor, said that a key highlight of the training will teach entrepreneurs how to present their businesses in a way that appeals to financial institutions. This includes mastering the documentation required to apply for loans, understanding what banks look for in applicants, and developing a financial plan that reflects the true potential of their business.

Minister’s Statement

Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister of Small Business, Entrepreneurship, Cooperatives and the Creative Economy, shared that the launch resonates deeply as he personally understands the journey of building a small business from the ground up. With just over two years in office, he reported that they have supported well over 300 businesses in securing the financing they need to thrive.

Conclusion

The Building Bankable Businesses Financial Literacy Programme is a vital initiative that aims to empower entrepreneurs in Saint Kitts and Nevis with the tools they need to succeed. With the support of the Ministry of Small Business, Entrepreneurship, Cooperatives and the Creative Economy and the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, this programme is set to make a significant impact on the local business community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For more information about the Building Bankable Businesses Financial Literacy Programme, please contact 467-1203 or visit the Department’s Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/SBDCSKB/.

Q: What is the Building Bankable Businesses Financial Literacy Programme?
A: The programme is a six-week boot camp-style training that aims to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge to streamline business operations and improve opportunities to access financing.

Q: Who is eligible to participate in the programme?
A: Small business owners and entrepreneurs in Saint Kitts and Nevis are encouraged to sign up for the programme.

Q: What are the key features of the programme?
A: The programme includes training on budgeting, cash flow management, understanding financial statements, and strategies to manage debt, as well as sessions on wellness and personal financial health.