Twenty individuals have successfully completed a three-week Entrepreneur Training Program hosted by the Department of Trade and Investment Promotion, in partnership with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

The Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation, addressed the ceremony. Photo:Government of the Virgin Islands.

Dr. Lincoln Bobb, Deputy Director of the Department of Trade and Investment Promotion, also spoke at the ceremony, commending the participants for their hard work and reiterating the Department’s commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises throughout the Virgin Islands. Photo:Government of the Virgin Islands.

An awards ceremony recognising these individuals took place on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the HLSCC Marine Centre.

Significant milestone 

The Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation, addressed the awardees, emphasising that “Every step you take to strengthen your business helps strengthen the Territory as a whole. As a government, we’re working to make that path as smooth as possible, improving the business environment, modernising systems, and creating more space for people to grow their ideas.”

The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the initiative, which aims to enhance the Territory’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by equipping aspiring business owners with practical skills, technical knowledge, and industry-relevant training.

Dr Lincoln Bobb, Deputy Director of the Department of Trade and Investment Promotion, also spoke at the ceremony, commending the participants for their hard work and reiterating the Department’s commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises throughout the Virgin Islands.

HLSCC advancing entrepreneurship education 

Dr Ronald Brunson, HLSCC Vice President of Academic Affairs, highlighted the college's ongoing partnership with the Government to advance entrepreneurship education and create opportunities that empower residents to succeed in both the local and global economy. He stated, “Partnerships like this remind us that we are not just here to educate students but also empower the community at large.”

According to a press release issued on December 3, 2025, the Department of Trade and Investment Promotion plans to launch several key initiatives aimed at further strengthening the local business landscape. Following the success of the inaugural cohort, the second Entrepreneur Training Programme is set to begin in early February. Additionally, a structured Mentorship Programme will be introduced to pair emerging entrepreneurs with seasoned business professionals, providing essential guidance to help new ventures navigate common start-up challenges.

MOU between University of Malta & HLSCC 

The release also noted that the Department is nearing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Malta and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College to establish a Global Knowledge Exchange, allowing BVI businesses and HLSCC students to access cutting-edge international insights that support global competitiveness.

Furthermore, the successful MSME Grant Programme will continue, inviting eligible business owners to apply for funding, which will be evaluated through a merit-based process by a Cabinet-appointed committee.

Attendees at the ceremony included Leroy James, Business Development Manager of the National Business Bureau; programme instructors; and 12 of the 20 awardees.