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Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 8, 2026
— Efforts to strengthen financial literacy and entrepreneurial capacity among small business owners received a further boost with the launch of the second cohort of the Building Bankable Businesses Financial Literacy Program.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, was officially launched on June 2 and forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and fostering sustainable business growth throughout St. Kitts and Nevis.
Spanning 10 weeks, the programme is facilitated by Alex Straun and delivered in partnership with the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank. The launch ceremony brought together participants, ministry officials, and representatives of the banking institution as the latest cohort embarked on its entrepreneurial development journey.
Designed for entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners, the programme provides practical knowledge and tools aimed at strengthening financial management and improving business performance. Participants will receive training in areas such as budgeting, business planning, record keeping, banking relationships, and other critical components necessary to building sustainable and investment-ready enterprises.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Delrine Taylor, welcomed participants and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to helping entrepreneurs gain the skills and support required to access financing and achieve long-term business success. She also underscored the value of the Ministry’s partnership with the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank in bridging the gap between business development and investment readiness.
“We are here to provide you with the skills and the tools that you need to become bankable. We have our trusted partners here, the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, because the Ministry provides the technical support for you. We are not a financial institution and if your desire is to seek funding at the end of this program, as you build your bankability, we now have our partners that you can graduate to and seek that funding. This program is designed to prepare you to access loans, manage those loans effectively, and continue growing successful small businesses into larger enterprises. Again, I want to welcome you all as participants in the second cohort of the Ministry’s Building Bankable Businesses Program, and I wish you nothing but success from here on out. You have our unwavering commitment that the Ministry will be here not only to help guide you through the program, but also to provide any additional technical support or business development assistance you may require as you continue building your business.”
Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Karla Berridge, also addressed participants, stressing the importance of financial literacy, strategic planning, and continuous learning in developing resilient and sustainable businesses. She noted that the initiative reflects the Ministry’s broader commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening the small business sector.
“Too often we believe that having a good idea is enough to build a successful business, but the truth is sustainability requires more. It requires discipline, planning, financial understanding, and the willingness to learn, adapt, and grow. That is exactly why this program exists. Over the next several weeks, each participant here will gain practical tools and knowledge that can help strengthen decision making, improve financial management, and position businesses for growth and long-term success. Whether you are just starting out, trying to organize your finances, or looking to take your business to the next level, this program was designed with you in mind. This initiative also reflects the Ministry’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening the small business sector in St. Kitts and Nevis. We recognize that small businesses are not small in impact. They create jobs, support families, drive innovation, and contribute significantly to national development.”
Representing the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, Executive Manager of Business Development Anthony Morton reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs beyond the classroom and encouraged participants to make full use of the programme’s resources and expertise.
“As you embark on this journey, remember that National Bank is your partner. We are partnering in your success. We are committed to helping you as an entrepreneur build a stronger business, create opportunities, and contribute to the growth of our economy. We encourage you to embrace the lessons in this program. You have a fantastic facilitator; he’s very knowledgeable. Develop the habits that lead to success and continue building businesses that are not only profitable, but bankable. On behalf of National Bank, I congratulate all of you once again. We wish you every success throughout this program and beyond. We look forward to meeting you and I look forward to giving you much money, as much money as you need, once you graduate. So thank you again on behalf of National Bank.”
The second cohort follows the successful completion of the inaugural programme, which culminated with the graduation of participants in October 2025.
Photo credit: SKNIS
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