In a significant effort to support local entrepreneurs, 152 small business owners from Region Six received business grants on Friday through the Small Business Bureau of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce.
The distribution ceremony took place at the Belvedere Business Centre, aiming to provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs with small establishments or startup businesses.
This initiative is part of the national Small Business Grant Program, and the 152 businesses in Region Six received a total of 46 million dollars in grants.
The value of individual grants varied between $200,000 to $500,000.
The applications encompassed various sectors, including poultry, snackettes, grocery, processing, and other business areas.
Region Six Chairman, David Armogan, emphasized the importance of nurturing small businesses to stimulate economic growth and increase regional income.
He acknowledged that the application process might take longer due to the national scope of the program.
Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Cordell McClure, explained that the processing time for each application varies, depending on the readiness of the applicant.
The goal is to clear the backlog and streamline the distribution process.
Recipients expressed their joy and gratitude for receiving the grants, highlighting the positive impact on their businesses.
The Small Business Grant Program aims to empower entrepreneurs, foster business expansion, and contribute to overall economic development.
The distribution exercises will continue in various regions, with the next one scheduled for Region Three.
Regions Three, Four, and Six, with the largest populations, are expected to benefit significantly from the grant distribution.
Kristin Josiah, NCN News