Tortola, BVI- Economic challenges, and sustainability concerns are high on the agenda of Governments and the business sectors locally, regionally and internationally. Consequently, the Caribbean Oversees Countries and Territories (OCTs) which include St. Martin, Anguilla, St. Barths, Statia, Saba, and Tortola, are no exception to the economic crises impacting our global village.
In an effort to address the growing economic challenges, The COSME Regional SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) Program funded under the 10th European Development Fund recently hosted a Train the Trainer Proposal Writing Workshop in Tortola, BVI.
Victorious Living Foundation, based on the southern side of St. Martin was selected to be a part of this training through its visionary, Dr. Erna Mae Francis-Cotton, along with other representatives locally from the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and the SBDF.
The purpose of this workshop was to strengthen the capacity of the Business Support Organizations (BSOs) in the Oversees Countries and Territories (OCTs) so that they can deliver a greater range and quality of service to their members and clients with regard to writing competitive grant proposals.
During this workshop the participants were empowered by consultants from The Competitiveness Company who provided them with the necessary tools to write and assist SMEs with writing successful proposals that will allow them to apply for grants and other donor funds as well as give a deeper understanding of the grant process.
The program for this 2-day workshop was specifically designed for representatives from the following OCT countries: Anguilla, BVI, St. Barths, St Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba who are:
- Senior staff from Business Support Organizations (BSOs), business development service providers
- Senior staff from Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations;
- Small enterprise advisors and consultants who wish to develop their technical skills and knowledge
- Senior staff from micro finance and financial institutions that provide services to start ups and small businesses
Dr. Francis-Cotton stated that the training and collaboration with fellow OCT participants was a rewarding and fulfilling experience and provides a great framework for further collaboration throughout the Caribbean to find sustainable solutions for the problems plaguing the region. Francis-Cotton applauded the trainers Dr. Beverly Morgan and Ms. Margaret Mais and the COSME organizers for a job well done and looks forward to putting the knowledge gained into practice in order to secure funds that will positively impact St. Martin and the region. For more details about COSME please visit their website: www.COSMEprogramme.org.
If you are interested in collaborating on projects to benefit our local or regional communities; seeking assistance in proposal writing; or desire the empowerment services of Victorious Living Foundation, contact Victorious Living through their website www.victoriouslivingsxm.org; lifecoach@victoriouslivingsxm.org or call 1-721-524-8731/ 1-305-407-9260.
COSME TRAINING EQUIPPED PARTICIPANTS TO SECURE FUNDS FOR PROGRAMS
