The Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs was among essential businesses and organizations which formed part of the third annual District Job Fair which was held on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Photo: Internet Source

The small business sector, particularly for individuals wishing to begin start-ups, is set to receive a boost with the implementation of a new program by the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs. Photo: Facebook

Dr Lincoln E. Bobb, Deputy Director of the Department of Trade, Investment, Promotion, and Consumer Affairs, made the announcement at the annual Third District Job Fair hosted by former Speaker Julian Willock on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

‘’We are designing a startup programme, so that you can actually come, get the support necessary, understand your market, even further, and even see how best you can actually make contact with people who are mentors, to guide you through the process of starting up your business and making it run.’’ He stated.

Training will be provided to participants in this programme, which will be conducted in collaboration with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). 

Mentorship

Additionally, a mentorship programme will be available to ensure the successful execution of new businesses.’’If you're starting a business, we want you to be as successful as possible. So, in doing so, when you are starting a business, you will get to meet people who are seasoned entrepreneurs that can give you the necessary advice about how you're moving forward.’’ Dr Bobb added.

The Trade Department also offers grants to support small business development, aiming to empower local entrepreneurs and stimulate economic growth.’’And also, embedded in all of that, which is also something that people tend to ask about, is the grantprogram.me.  we have three types of grants, one of them is focused on startups, and the other one is focused on the development of your business. The third one is for business continuity," he explained.

Dr Bobb emphasised that the department is committed to providing comprehensive support, stating,’’Basically, training, the mentorship, the grant programme, and the startups are the things that we are trying to see how best we can propel and push so that we understand that not everybody will be able to find a job out there.’'