Budhan Stresses Govt’s Commitment to Entrepreneurship

KINGSTON — Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Reginald Budhan, is reiterating Government’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship to foster job creation and stimulate economic growth.

“Entrepreneurship is an important factor in our economic development and this is reflected in our efforts to improve opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” Mr. Budhan stated.

He was speaking today (October 25) at the launch of National Entrepreneurship Week 2011 at the Wyndham Kingston hotel. The week, an annual observance of the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Jamaica (YEA), will be celebrated from

November 20 to 25 under the theme: ‘Making your passion your business’.

Mr. Budhan lauded the work of YEA, noting that the organisation is playing an important role in promoting youth entrepreneurship in Jamaica.

Chairman of the YEA, Tyrone Wilson, encouraged young entrepreneurs to support the week of activities. 

These include an opening ceremony and exposition, courtesy calls on government officials, an entrepreneur’s breakfast, and a gala affair.

Among the highlights is an outreach programme dubbed: ‘Planting the seed of Entrepreneurship’, which will be held on November 22 in collaboration with the HEART Trust/NTA.

“We will be looking at some of the most troubled areas; individuals from inner city communities where the opportunities are not as it is in other areas, and we will be helping them to put together business plans and identify mentorship opportunities,” Mr. Wilson explained.   

On November 24, YEA will launch a philanthropic programme called ‘YEA CARES’ in partnership with the Agency for Inner City Renewal.

YEA was formed in 2005 under the auspices of the Jamaica Employers' Federation (JEF), and is a volunteer-driven non-profit organisation, whose mandate is to support young people in business.

Aimed at business owners 45 and under, YEA provides members with an opportunity to learn from each other's experiences and take advantage of peer mentorship as they grow their business.

By Latonya Linton, JIS Reporter