Stakeholders in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) are invited to attend a workshop to discuss a draft SME Policy next week.

The workshop aims to ensure that the key elements of the policy are validated; that feedback from key stakeholders is incorporated and that a clear SME development action plan is produced and owned by stakeholders for implementation.       

Senior Policy Analyst in the Premier’s Office, Ms. Lizette George said the SME Policy arrives at a time when BVI is at a critical junction.

Ms. George added that while the recent disaster presents enormous challenges to economic stabilisation, it also presents numerous opportunities to introducing technology and rebuilding the economy through the development of small and medium businesses across the construction and maintenance sectors in particular.

The policy is an on-going strategy that defines SMEs in the BVI and paves the path for an enabling environment. Its goal is to create a platform for these enterprises through skills, development and awareness and aims to address seven policy areas. These include: education and training; institutional and regulatory framework; operational environment for SMEs; business development and support services; access to credit and finance; innovation; and internalisation of SMEs.

The workshop will be held on Tuesday, July 10 at the Treasure Isle Hotel. Interested persons are asked to contact Ms. Lizette George at the Premier’s Office via email: LizGeroge@gov.vg or telephone: 468-2152 and register early as space is limited.