Dominica joins over one hundred other countries in observing Global Entrepreneurship week which commences Monday November 12, 2012.
Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world’s largest celebration of the innovators and job creators, who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare.
During one week each November, GEW inspires people everywhere through local, national and global activities designed to help them explore their potential as self-starters and innovators. These activities, from large-scale competitions and events to intimate networking gatherings, connect participants to potential collaborators, mentors and even investors—introducing them to new possibilities and exciting opportunities.
First observed in 2008 in the US and UK, Global Entrepreneurship Week or G.E.W. aims to fashion young people into business operators who will develop creative ideas to change the world.
Dominica’s Youth Business Trust which falls under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth Affairs will be hosting the third annual G.E.W.
Various public and private sector organisations as well as regional and international groups have partnered with the Ministry of Youth Affairs to coordinate the week of activities.
The week begins with a Youth Entrepreneurship Forum at the Dominica State College.
In an interview with the Minister for youth affairs, Hon. Justina Charles, she gave details of the weeks activities.
“During the week, the Dominica Youth Business Trust will partner with the Dominica State College, where they will [disseminate] information to persons regarding the entire entrepreneurship programme that exists within the department on how they can access it and take advantage of it.”
There will also be a grand tradeshow on Thursday November 15th.
“Persons who have [participated in] the programme and have started their businesses will be showcasing the work that they are doing. We have persons who have been assisting in various areas. We have persons who have engaged in sewing, soap manufacturing and different arts and crafts products. This exhibition will allow them to display their own business.”
Minister Charles explained the importance of training youth for self-employment.
“It is known that unemployment is one of the biggest problems facing of our young people. We realize that this is a global issue where Governments cannot and will never be able to engage [every] young person and so the private sector has been doing its share. We wanted to create an opportunity where young people can get some sort of training to start their own businesses where they can be gainfully employed and they in turn can employ other persons into those businesses. All of those factors will add to the whole economic growth of the country and will help person’s live better lives where they are able to provide for themselves and their families and for the country.”
She called on Dominicans to lend their support to the efforts of young people attempting to do well.
“We would really like the general public to support these persons and their businesses. While they do the training and work towards opening their businesses, they require the support of the general public in order for them to sustain their businesses. We are calling on the general public to give support to the local products that our young people are engaged in.”