200239 YES Magazine Vol 18

YES! THE MAGAZINE OF THE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME3editor’S NOTEcontentsDESIGN & LAYOUT: G & A Communications Inc.1st Floor, Suite 201, The Atrium, Sky Mall Road,Haggatt Hall, St. Michael, BB11059Barbados, WI.T: (246) 437-2214 F: (246) 228-5204E: [email protected] BY: COT Holdings Ltd. #16 Newton Industrial Estate, Christ ChurchT: (246) 420-8550 F: (246) 420-8555 E: [email protected]: Some of the views expressed in this publication are the views of the writers and not necessarily those of YES. © 2020 YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEMEPublisher/Ryan MoseleyCoordinator/Cherryann JordanEditor/Cherryann JordanPhotography/Amleya Clark PhotographyEditorial Services/Johnson JohnRoseDistribution/ Youth Entrepreneurship SchemeContributing Writers:Ms. Cherryann JordanMrs. Maria Boyce-TaylorYES! Is a publication of the Youth Entrepreneurship SchemeWrite to us or give us a call at: Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES)Ministry of Youth and Community EmpowermentSky Mall, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael246-535-3835Divyouth246Div Youth-BarbadosDISCLAIMER - Reproduction of any materials contained herein without written approval constitutes a violation of copyright. YES reserves the right to determine the content of the publication.Welcome to the 2020 edition of the YES! Magazine!At the start of each year we set our goals, some lofty, some modest, and we plan for the unknown with great expectation. Planning is what we do. Individuals do it, governments do it and certainly small businesses do it. Many Barbadian businesses planned for the year-long Vision 2020 activities. Activities which held tremendous opportunities for businesses to expand their product lines, opportunities for innovation, for revenue generation and for growth. All things which are especially appealing to micro businesses. While we acknowledge the onslaught created on this sector by the coronavirus – COVID-19, it is also worth noting that COVID-19 has also forced many businesses to grasp the opportunities to retool, to refashion and to recommit.For many micro businesses, the opportunities found in the use of technology have been the driving force behind their resilience plans. Technology has created that vital link between them and the public. Amidst all the online traffic, it has kept the businesses in the minds of their constituents. It has also become the tool used for business and self-improvement, for idea generation and concretisation and for rejuvenation. Others have responded to the opportunities created by COVID-19 and have either started new businesses or diversified their business offering to produce crucial items such as face masks and hand sanitisers or simply to become personal shoppers. Such resilience epitomises what entrepreneurship is about – seizing opportunities amid storms, taking risks and making the necessary investments both in terms of money and time. It is also about being relevant and being innovative. We therefore cannot lose sight of the opportunities and possibilities emanating from the COVID–19 pandemic. In this edition we will share tips on marketing strategies for riding out a crisis. We are also happy to highlight eleven entrepreneurs across Barbados who are “open” for business. We urge you to go out there and support them and businesses generally as we keep the economic wheels turning. Cherryann JordanEditor4 YES! Minister5 MSMEs & the ‘New” Business Environment7 Shakeel Jordan - ST. LUCY 9 Daniel Boyce - ST. PETER11 Migel Scott - ST. THOMAS13 Rodney Griffith - ST. JOSEPH15 Alyssa Harewood - ST. JOHN17 Andrea Howell - ST. GEORGE18 Overcoming COVID 19: Marketing Mindset and Tools Every Entrepreneur Should Possess21 Steffan Burgess - ST. PHILIP23 Britney Sealy - ST. ANDREW25 Rasheda Primus - ST. JAMES27 Janelle Rice – CHRIST CHURCH29 Zachary Lynch – ST. MICHAEL30 YES – “From Idea to Enterprise”“Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever.” Roy T. Bennett

YES! THE MAGAZINE OF THE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME4The Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES) has been a critical part of the programme of the Division of Youth Affairs since its inception in 1995. Twenty-five years later, as its parent, the Ministry of Youth and Community Empowerment is pleased to herald the contribution of YES in youth development and to support its celebration of the eleven entrepreneurs who are highlighted in this publication of the YES! Magazine, under the theme, “Working Together for Success”. YES entrepreneurs account for an integral part of the micro, small and medium enterprises sector (MSMEs) which makes a significant contribution to the economic and employment landscape of Barbados. Notwithstanding its role in the national development of a country’s economy, the MSME sector is one which is susceptible to shocks caused by economic crises, national disasters or health pandemics such as COVID-19. While these are things which are beyond our control, my ministry recognises that support for the resilience of this sector is critically important for national development, and specifically for sustaining business and job creation in the country. It will therefore not be business as usual in the Ministry of Youth and Community Empowerment as we continue to invest in our entrepreneurs, and youth in general, during this challenging period. Programming is being reviewed to integrate greater levels of technology in the delivery of our services and to incorporate more online interaction with youths, especially in the facilitation of training. Youth programming will be streamlined to be fit for purpose so that what we deliver incorporates our “new norm” and is relevant, timely and impactful. Apart from direct interventions with entrepreneurs, my ministry will also continue to play an active part in the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) to form part of the sectoral response to supporting MSMEs. The ministry will forge ahead with its efforts to support the emergence of the new ‘blockpreneurs’ in its Building Blocks Project with the support and expertise of our resources in our YES programme. Thus far, YES has trained over 150 young persons from blocks in four communities, and it is our intention to assist young people in other communities who are unemployed and liming on the blocks, but who have aspirations and skills to develop. We will continue to provide them with the training, the spaces and the infrastructure to develop their businesses.This YES! Magazine is a reminder that in each community there are entrepreneurs working to revive their businesses and their economic independence, as well as to contribute to national development. As we get Barbados back up and running, I want to challenge you to go out and not only support the entrepreneurs in this magazine, but to also make an effort to support community-based businesses in general, knowing that while doing so, you have supported families, communities and our country’s economy. May God Continue to Bless Barbados!Hon. Adrian Forde, M. P.Minister of Youth and Community EmpowermentForewordYES! Minister“Coming together is beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” Henry Ford

MSMEs & The “New” Business EnvironmentYES! THE MAGAZINE OF THE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME5For those of us operating in the micro, small and medium enterprises sector (MSMEs) the year 2020 is proving to be a watershed one. So far this year we have seen business operations in most of this sector grinding to a standstill. We have seen commerce halted due to shutdowns and we have seen businesses grappling for stability due to limited or non-existent sales and revenue which is in total contrast to expenses which are constant and climbing. The MSMEs in Barbados is just one part of several sectors of the economy which require immediate attention as we slowly start to go back to work. Yet going back to work will take on a different look for many of the businesses we serve. While the use of technology has been the bright spark for many businesses during this period, sadly many were not equipped to transition to online platforms and some that went online were overwhelmed by the requests. However, the Business World suggests: “Digital transformation, or bringing aspects of your business online, has become key, whether it is from a marketing standpoint, from an order-taking standpoint, from a payment standpoint, from a delivery standpoint, and even from a work standpoint.” It therefore is imperative that Barbadian businesses use this experience and this opportunity to move to the next level. But it is not only digital transformation that is needed. Survival of the fittest will go to those who easily transition and those who look for opportunities within the crisis. The Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES) will continue to provide handholding to entrepreneurs in our catchment area by remodelling where necessary and rolling out our suite of services through expanded mediums. YES will work with entrepreneurs to refocus their business models within this “new” environment where there is consumer conservatism, reduced spending power due to layoffs and generally less disposable income. Much emphasis will be placed on financing and marketing as we recognise the importance of these two areas in getting business back “online”. Business World highlights five areas for consideration during this period:• Accept the new reality caused by the crisis; • Assess the damage and the funds needed to bounce back;• Negotiate with banks for restructuring loans, with landlords for lowering rents, and with employees for their salaries; • Re-plan and innovate their businesses; • Pray for guidance and protection.As acting manager of YES, I want to encourage entrepreneurs to maintain a resilience mindset, look for those opportunities created by this crisis. Venkataraman et al, 1997, suggested that entrepreneurship is about exploiting opportunities to introduce new goods and services. This is an opportunity for our entrepreneurs. The opportunity is also there for micro businesses to form clusters in order to increase efficiencies and productivity and in that way make their businesses more competitive. In this environment working together may be the only option which can lead to success. The Ministry of Youth and Community Empowerment through the Youth Entrepreneurial Scheme stands ready to provide the entrepreneurial support for these businesses. We therefore want to encourage all Barbadians to give support to the MSME sector and to go out and support the eleven entrepreneurs featured in this edition of YES! Magazine. Go out and support community businesses. Go out and support Barbados. Ryan MoseleyManager (Ag)Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme“One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.”Sigmund Freud

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River Bay St. LucyYES! THE MAGAZINE OF THE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME7

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SpeightstownSt. PeterYES! THE MAGAZINE OF THE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME9

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Highlands St. ThomasYES! THE MAGAZINE OF THE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME11

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BathshebaSt. JosephYES! THE MAGAZINE OF THE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME13

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St. John’s Parish ChurchSt. JohnYES! THE MAGAZINE OF THE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME15

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Gun Hill Signal Station St. GeorgeYES! THE MAGAZINE OF THE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME17

YES! THE MAGAZINE OF THE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME 18Maria Boyce-Taylor, Marketing ConsultantThe only constant in life is change and despite knowing this we seek to manage it and plan for it. One of the fundamental lessons COVID-19 has really taught us is that there are some things you just cannot plan for because we have no control over the type of change that can occur. It has also taught us that the world is so much smaller than we thought. So now that this is our new normal and now that we are here, as an entrepreneur how do you weather this storm so that you come out stronger on the other side? Is it even possible? Yes, it is possible, it can be done. Here are some important tools to help you manage the COVID-19 pandemic so that you and your business are stronger and better after the pandemic. Create a mindset of success Entrepreneur and author Peter Diamandis said, ‘a negative mindset will never give you a positive life and during this time of crisis a positive mindset is so fundamentally critical’. So that is where we will start. You and your business can only overcome and take on COVID-19 ‘like the Czar that you are’ with a positive mindset and some very important warrior traits. What does that mean?It means that you must develop an attitude and posture of resilience. You must see this pandemic as both a challenge that you can and will overcome and an opportunity to propel you further. The process will stretch you and push you to your limit, but it is paramount that you remain strong mentally. It is imperative that you maintain positive activities in your life, such as affirmations, prayers (if you desire), yoga, exercise, and quality time with your family, etc. In essence, create an environment around you that will sustain and strengthen you. Keep all negativity away and be very aware of what you are taking in via social media, traditional media, conversations, etc. We want to remain practical and optimistic in this time.Create an agile businessFor your business, agility must be a constant. Agility is the ability to adapt quickly and effectively to changes that are occurring internally and externally. This is an important part of your arsenal. In essence, you need to maintain a competitive advantage without compromising quality. Agility can be built into your business during this time by remaining flexible and consistently looking for ways to be innovative. Throw your normal out through the window and create a new normal based on adapting very quickly to the changes. You have to be innovative in real time by creating new ways of delivering services, and products. Any issues with new products and services must always be addressed in real time. This will benefit your customers and your bottom line. Going forward, always build flexibility into your budget and your processes so that you can quickly adjust to changes. The goal is to build a business that can pivot quickly in times of crisis and unexpected situations.Brand strategy is kingThis period, when we all must stay home, is a golden opportunity to focus and plan for the post COVID-19 era. Develop a strategic marketing and promotional plan that will assist you to go back to market stronger and better. Use this time to develop and enhance your skills. This time of pause is an important time for entrepreneurs to strategise, evaluate, develop and prepare for post quarantine. Brand development is one of the key items that you should focus on. Conduct a brand audit, realign your brand to the new normal and the new way of life post COVID-19. Ensure your brand is agile and resilient and as much as possible, ensure that your brand is seen, understood and embraced by clients and prospective clients. Although COVID-19 is the main focus of the world, this is the time to showcase your brand in relevant and meaningful ways. We always recommend volunteering and/or donating time or goods during a crisis, as well as seeking to redevelop your products and services so that they are relevant to the market at this time. Communication is an important tool You must ensure that you communicate all developments to your clients and potential clients. Utilise your social media platforms to ensure that your information is current and relevant. It is also advised that you share with your clients, any changes to the way you are distributing your products and services. Your loyal clients should receive some level of personalised communication. It is important that during the crisis you engage with those clients who have been loyal to you and in many cases, special incentives and packages Overcoming COVID 19: Marketing Mindset and Tools Every Entrepreneur Should Possess

should be offered to them. With your clients, your changes to operations, special new offers, and services are very important. It is also very imperative that you listen to your clients and seek to understand their needs and mitigate any fall out. Responses to queries and questions are important and you must have an efficient outlet and system for responses. It is recommended that you also communicate important educational information about the pandemic as part of your social responsibility. This information should always be from a creditable source such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), local government ministries, etc. Be part of the solution during a crisis and use your mediums to support positive behaviour and education. As it relates to your other stakeholders, please share with them how your business is doing and how you are managing the crisis. Of course, if you have employees you must be communicating with them as well. They will be feeling lost and uncertain and it is important that you have open and honest dialogue with them about the state of the business.Engage, Engage, Engage!Engagement is an important element of building strong relationships with our clients. During COVID-19 and the onslaught of negative information, you can create some positive messages and share them with your clients via your social media platforms. For example, you can go ‘live’ and conduct soft sell interactives such as online challenges. You should conduct your research and build this with your experience to become a subject matter specialist in your area of business. With this you can organise ‘check-in chats’ with your clients or create online engagement initiatives that will encourage connection and interaction. This will build stronger client relationships post COVID-19 as you would have stayed top of mind during the period of uncertainty, and like any good friend who is with you in times of trouble, client loyalty is the result of the engagement.Promotional marketing is a necessity Promotions must be executed virtually. It can include bundling of services at special prices or driving persons to purchase utilising incentives to do so, such as special discounts. The goal is to make such promotions engaging, value-added and easy for your clients and prospective clients to understand and execute. Your creativity will be critical in this. Keep it simple and be responsive. It is important that you seek to develop special avenues of delivering your products and services and seek to utilise technology as much as you can as part of your artillery.Develop coopetitionThe new word for our crisis: coopetition. This is when you cooperate with your competition. This is not the time to beat one’s competition but the time to share workloads, knowledge and work together to survive this pandemic. So, work with your competitors, seek out your competitive advantages and use them to propel and market your business during this time of uncertainty As entrepreneur Shukri Toefy indicated, ‘this is not a holiday, and this is not the time for a pity party. It is a time to do what entrepreneurs do, and that is hustle.’ I would go further and say this is also a time to be creative and innovative. This is the time to differentiate your business from the pack and seek to maintain some level of service, even if it is far reduced and adhere to social distancing. The goal is to come out of this crisis stronger and better. Perseverance and tenacity will be important, but also seek to stay engaged, communicate and showcase your business’ unique value propositions, and of course, to ensure that your business is stronger, more agile, and innovative after the COVID-19. Mrs. Maria Boyce Taylor is an engagement, marketing and customer relationship management professional with over eighteen years’ experience in the field. She has worked in senior management positions developing and implementing successful marketing and customer relationship strategies for profit and nonprofit organisations in the publishing, heritage tourism, property management, risk management and financial sectors in the USA and Barbados.Amleya Clarke, a portrait & brand photographer with a love for creating impactful imagery and motion visuals that resonate with target clients. She’s got 10 plus years experience supporting personal, corporate and community brands to share their value-adding pvalue-adding products, services and activities to their network and beyond. If you are ready to level up your brand visuals and communication, give us a call - 249-1093Meet Your Photographerinfo@amleyaclarkephotography.comwww.amleyaclarkephotography.com

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East Point LighthouseSt. PhilipYES! THE MAGAZINE OF THE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME21

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East Coast RoadSt. AndrewYES! THE MAGAZINE OF THE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME23

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Folkestone Park St. JamesYES! THE MAGAZINE OF THE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME25

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Oistins Christ ChurchYES! THE MAGAZINE OF THE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME27

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Chamberlain Bridge St. MichaelYES! THE MAGAZINE OF THE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME29business card info needed

YES – “From Idea to Enterprise”Who Are WEThe Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES) is a department of the Division of Youth in the Ministry of Youth and Community Empowerment. YES is an important part of the engine that drives the evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Barbados. We assist in creating a new generation of entrepreneurs by providing a network of technical, educational and financial support as well as fostering policy and a supportive culture to influence an entrepreneurial class.At YES we seek to provide creative and timely business solutions to meet the critical needs of committed young people who are determined to succeed in business.What is the Impact of YES?YEScontributestoBarbados’sustainabledevelopment by helping to increase the number of young entrepreneurs who grow businesses, create jobs, change lives and ensure future economic prosperity. As a small business development centre for youth entrepreneurship, YES creates sustainable employment opportunities for young people. It enables them to establish profitable and sustainable enterprises that stimulate the productive sectors by generating income and creating jobs. Why is YES ImportantYES is a haven where young people can be empowered to realise their entrepreneurial dreams and maximise their fullest potential. It provides critical emotional support and access to resources for young entrepreneurs to enable them to be formidable drivers of economic development, job creation, innovation and social change.Why We Support Young EntrepreneursEntrepreneurship is critical to our economic development and as such, YES and its global partners cultivate and showcase the emergent entrepreneurial talent of young entrepreneurs who are well poised to lead the charge to revolutionise our economy.YES supports young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 30 who have a viable business idea and have either started or are considering starting a business, to grow, manage and expand their operations. The outreach and awareness-building aspect of YES is focused on young people aged 9 to 17 years old. Its programming also targets persons out of school through community-based and other training opportunities.What We Do The YES! Magazine is one of the marketing tools used to showcase our young entrepreneurs as well as to highlight the work of our partners within the ecosystem. YES also delivers a package of strategic business offerings which includes:•Generalbusinesscounsellingandmentoring• Entrepreneurial development training and education• Direct and specialised technical assistance• Access to markets and networks• Referral for financial assistance• YES Juniors trainingYES prepares small and micro enterprises (SMEs) to integrate into the formal business sector, to build their capacity for growth within the global marketplace and to facilitate the exploration of potentials for export and earning foreign exchange.YES will continue to work with our entrepreneurs to Create! Innovate! and Make it Happen. YES! THE MAGAZINE OF THE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME 30

social savyvisualscontentcreationvideographyphotographyinfo@amleyaclarkephotography.comwww.amleyaclarkephotography.com249-1093

“ FROM IDEA TO ENTERPRISE ”