By: Gavincia Clarke
Nevispages.com
(CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS)- The Small Entrepreneur and Enterprise Development (SEED) program, designed, funded and managed by the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF) has recently made another Nevisian dream a reality.
On Thursday, November 13, 2014 Ms. Rodney Elliot hosted a short ceremony to launch the business and cut the ribbon for the new business, ‘Rodney’s Tent Rental Services’ that is located at Stoney Grove.
Among the gathering were other successful business owners funded by the program; SIDF Executive, Mr. Peter Adrien; Boot Camp Coordinator, Mr. Carlisle Powell; representative from the Nevis Cooperative Credit Union; SIDF’s financial business partner in Nevis, Mrs. Alexa Pemberton, Certified Public Accountant from BEST Professional Services, attached to the SEED Program; Hon. Troy Liburd, and businessman Gregory Hardtman.
Ms. Elliot welcomed the audience to the opening ceremony of her new business. She used the opportunity to thank all the representatives and managers of SIDF program who have helped and guided her along the way. She gave high praises to Mr. Carlisle Powell, Boot Camp Coordinator of the SEED Program. Ms. Elliot indicated that she has been a business woman for over 30 years but being a part of the Boot Camp, had molded her and had given her new opportunities to learn new business skills. She noted that the skills she learnt from the program, have taught her how to manage a growing business. She commended the leaders at the Boot Camp who have pushed and encouraged her to complete the four week course to satisfy the SIDF standards.
Mr. Peter Adrien also gave brief remarks. He saluted Ms. Elliot on her achievements and the hard work and commitment that she had invested thus far. He noted that ‘Rodneys Tent Rental Services’ has been the forty-seventh business that have successfully opened by the SEED Program.
He described the business woman as a skilled, persevering, highly experienced, Caribbean female entrepreneur. He further stated that Ms. Elliot is a lesson in innovation, passion and business sense. According to him, Ms. Elliot is a master in such skills.
He noted that the program have totally funded $4.2 million Eastern Currency. According to the SIDF Executive, the program has contributed to the economic growth, employment creation and has generated activities where there were none throughout the Federation.
In closing, Mr. Adrien congratulated Ms. Elliot on behalf of the management of the SIDF, and he wished her a profitable Christmas and New Year.
Hon. Troy Liburd and Gregory Hardtman also congratulated the local entrepreneur and inculcated her to keep thriving for success.
The business was blessed by Rev. Canon Percival. The ribbon was cut by Ms. Rodney Elliot and Mr. Peter Adrien. The guests were then treated to complimentary refreshments.
