Small business owners and other persons interested in refining their business management skills are invited to register for the third session in the series of entrepreneurial training.

The sessions will be hosted by the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, in collaboration with SMART Business Academy, formerly known as the Power MO.V.E. Academy, and through the Urban Business Institute.

Director of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, Mrs. Karia Christopher stated that the department, with the full support of the Government of the Virgin Islands, continues to make training programmes such as Power M.O.V.E. and the SMART Business Academy available in order to provide capacity building opportunities for local small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Mrs. Christopher is encouraging both established and prospective business owners, and those who wish to take their business to the next level, to register for the power packed sessions as the department continues to “Fuel the Entrepreneurial Spirit”. Persons who missed the Power M.O.V.E. session held earlier in 2015 are also encouraged to apply.

The SMART Business Academy will be facilitated by Professor Devin Robinson and training sessions will focus on the development of businesses from ideas and raw materials into ownership, operation and management in various industries. Emphasis will include foundational concepts, quality management, finance management, and developing a seamless customer-centered business.

The course curriculum and philosophies are based on the Power M.O.V.E. Curriculum and covers a range of business principles including customer service, operations, selling principles, sales management, retail management, and troubleshooting measures in business operations. These will all be taught from an urban, small business perspective.

The training sessions will be held for 12 months, with one workshop offered monthly beginning on Friday, January 29. Registration begins on Monday, January 4, and ends on Wednesday, January 20. Registration cost is $200.00 for the 12 month package.

For more information about the SMART Business Academy Training Sessions contact the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs at bvitrade@gov.vg or call 468-2008.