SBDC: Over $100 mil. worth of business plans in the pipeline

The Access Accelerator Small Business Development Centre hosted a webinar for entrepreneurs on Bimini and the Berry Islands yesterday, where its Executive Director Davinia Bain explained that it has more than $100 million in business plans in the pipeline, in addition to more than 3,000 being developed.

Bain said that while every business plan that comes through the Access Accelerator will not be able to be funded, everyone is encouraged to go through the process, because the experience can still improve entrepreneurs and their businesses.

“We’re doing our best and we’re quite happy with the fact that we’ve been able to help thousands of Bahamians in the three years of our existence,” said Bain.

“We’re going to continue trying to make injections into the economy. At the same time this is why we press for you to do as much as you can to develop your businesses and your business plans.

“Just the mere fact of you applying for that grant would have assisted with some level of upgrade to your business, because you have to sit and spend time thinking about what you do and putting it in black and white.”

The Access Accelerator has ensured that family island businesses and entrepreneurs are not left out of funding opportunities.

Yesterday’s webinar introduced some Berry Islanders to a $250,000 grant given to the Access Accelerator by Royal Caribbean International, which will be used to fund businesses in the Berry Islands, Grand Bahama and New Providence that can take benefit from the cruise line’s home porting initiative, beginning in June.

It was revealed yesterday that the Access Accelerator has already injected $124,037 into 12 businesses on Bimini.

Oslien Jadorte, a Bimini entrepreneur whose company 3Js Pest Control received funding, said he was able to bring his dream to life and expand his offerings through the funding and the practical training offered by the Access Accelerator.

“It’s been a joy learning the marketing aspects of it. The accounting aspects of it, that’s a headache, but you’re learning as you go and it’s been a joy and privilege to be a part of this journey so far,” said Jadorte.

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/sbdc-over-100-mil-worth-of-business-plans-in-the-pipeline/