“Our mission is to foster development, growth and innovation in our economy by enabling young entrepreneurs to realize their dreams, hopes and aspirations”.
With this mission at the forefront of its efforts, The Saint Lucia Youth Business Trust (SLYBT) has continued to engage young entrepreneurs, potential young entrepreneurs and the general public through its activities.
As part of its activities for Youth Month 2013, the SLYBT held a financial management presentation, which had as the featured speaker, Mr. Ryan Mack, a financial advisor, youth mentor and motivator based in the USA.
The presentation was held at the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce conference room on April 25 and it was made to the SLYBT applicants for 2013. This event was geared at motivating and inspiring them throughout the application process. It was also aimed at instilling in them a sense of financial responsibility as it relates to their personal and professional development. RISE (St. Lucia) Inc. invited Mr Mack to St Lucia to address the youths. He also took part in various youth-related activities around the island.
In attendance at the presentation were five SLYBT loan applicants (two females and three males) along with Ms. Gemma Moses of RISE (St. Lucia) Inc, Mr. Rankin Morgan, editor of Dazzle Magazine, Mr. Sudhakaran Kulapura, financial comptroller for Northwest Ltd and SLYBT mentor. The event was hosted by the SLYBT Officer, Mr. Dyrud Lionel.
Initially it took the form of a panel discussion, giving the participants the opportunity to interact with Mr. Ryan Mack and all present. After an hour of discussions ranging from prioritizing financial resources to the society’s role in instilling financial responsibility, formal introductions were made. Rankin Morgan, the “Idea of the Year” recipient at the 2013 St. Lucia Business Awards, gave the gathering an insight into the SLYBT program. He was well suited to the task, having developed his business proposal under the guidance and mentorship of the SLYBT. He urged the applicants to continue striving until they achieved their goals and stressed the importance of having a sound business plan in developing a business idea or concept.
Subsequently, Mr. Mack proceeded with his life’s calling – mentoring the young applicants. He told them about his background, including how he had worked as a Wall Street trader, and then went on to pursue his passion for financially motivating marginalized individuals. He urged the youths to “find their purpose, develop a vision, find the necessary resources, and put it all together.”
They were then given the opportunity to introduce their business ideas. They also took questions and the group discussed their ideas. Mr. Mack gave his input and urged them to continue pursuing their vision.
The SLYBT would like to thank Mr. Ryan Mack, Ms. Gemma Moses, Mr. Rankin Morgan and the SLYBT loan applicants for making the event a fun, informative and motivational endeavor.
Youth Explosion 2013 – SLYBT Celebrates with St Lucia’s Youths!
The Derek Walcott Square in Castries came alive with Youth Explosion 2013 on April 27, as youths from around the island turned out to celebrate the occasion.
The event was the grand finale in the observance of April as Youth Month, It gave the youth the opportunity to enjoy a full day of activities during which they were informed, engaged and entertained.
It was hosted by Scady dot P., a popular local radio personality. Addresses were delivered by Mr. Timothy Ferdinand, President of the National Youth Council, Minister for Youth Development and Sports, Mr Shawn Edward, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Creative Industries, Mr. Lorne Theophillus and other officials from the respective ministries.
SLYBT was joined by several youth groups in the celebration, including Twisted, a local dance group comprising of secondary school children and some members of the St. Lucia Cadet Corps, and there were many other participants. SLYBT took the opportunity to sensitize the youth on its program and interact with them. It also arranged appointments with potential young entrepreneurs and did some networking with various individuals and groups for future outreach activities.
Additionally, SLYBT provided an “Outreach Sheet,” and took the names, e-mail addresses and contact numbers of individuals to add them to the Trust’s Facebook page in order to continue interacting with potential applicants and those not old enough to be eligible for the program.
Ciceron Secondary Students Learn how to Succeed in Business
During Youth Explosion 2013, SLYBT did some networking with a secondary school teacher and business owner, Mr. Dwayne Lubin, of the Ciceron Secondary School. Afterwards a presentation was scheduled for Wednesday 8th May at the school for the benefit of the form 4 business students.
The students were briefed on the SLYBT program and the benefits it offers those wishing to become entrepreneurs. They then took part in an interactive session, during which they proffered three possible business ideas. A vote was taken to select one idea, which was then developed. The students voted on starting a construction company.
As the presentation continued, the students went through the various aspects of a business plan, including creating a mission statement and goals, analyzing competition, costing, developing a marketing strategy, human resources, functional implementations and much more. They also got the opportunity to provide input into the draft of their own business plan.
The presentation ended with an appeal to the students to follow their dreams, even in the face of perceived obstacles, and not to give up until their objectives were realized. The need for social responsibility was also impressed upon them. Moreover, they were taught that being an entrepreneur ought not to be only about making money or working for yourself. Rather it should be more about giving back, whether through the employment of individuals, providing a service or product, or by giving back to their communities and our society.
The Saint Lucia Youth Business Trust will continue its efforts to engage potential and young entrepreneurs and the general public as it moves forward with its mandate. At this point the SLYBT would like to thank all its sponsors and partners for making this initiative possible.
