YEP Kicks-Off in Montego Bay

The Young Entrepreneurs Programme (YEP) made its entry into Montego Bay, St. James on Saturday June 27, 2009, with an orientation session at the HEART Trust/NTA Cornwall Automotive Training Institute in Flanker.
The YEP programme has been established by the Government to encourage high school and tertiary level graduates, with a passion to operate their own business, to access training and financing and establish viable small businesses.
It was announced during the 2009/10 Budget Debate by Prime Minister the Hon. Bruce Golding, who urged young people to consider self-employment as a practical option for economic empowerment.
Despite a less than expected turnout of participants, facilitators at the orientation session, took those present through what was described by the students as an interesting and informative session.
HEART Trust/ NTA instructor at Granville Vocational Training Institute, St. James, Patricia Thomas, and Facilitator with the Heart Trust/NTA Entrepreneurship programme, Dawn Lemonius, guided the participants through the activities for the day, including a motivational talk, information on the funding process, eligibility and workshop participation.
Speaking with JIS News, Jurdane Pine, one of the participants in the orientation session, said that he was very glad he participated as he has garnered a lot of information about starting and operating his own business.
“I have learned that I have the majority, if not all, of the characteristics of an entrepreneur, and that I am capable of being a good businessman in the future,” Mr. Pine, a former Montego Bay Junior Mayor, stated.
Irwin High School student, Judiana Lawes, said that her ambition to become an independent woman drove her to attend the orientation session. She said that she found the session beneficial, and plans to pursue the offer under the YEP Programme.
The orientation sessions will be followed by a series of three-day workshops at locations across the island.