Be SME SMART Programme
The Be SME SMART Programme is designed to sensitise consumers about the products offered by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and to encourage the patronage of firms within this sector.
Welcome to Our Website!
Here at the Small Business Association of Barbados, our aim is to provide the micro, small and medium enterprise sector with determined representation, impactful training and purposeful business development services.
With over three decades of lobbying and advocating on behalf of our members, our vision remains to become the national organisation of choice for business and entrepreneurial development.
As our membership continues to grow, spanning a wide array of diverse markets, we offer excellent networking and promotional opportunities to any small business or entrepreneur.
We therefore encourage you to join our membership and take full advantage of our many available services.
- Ms. Lynette Holder, Chief Executive Officer
Have feedback? Don’t hesitate to let us know!
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SBA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORYLooking for a SBA member? Search our directory.
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Research on MSME Sector -
The OutlooK NEwsletterRead about the activities of the SBA, its members and strategic partners.
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SBA’s 2021 Annual ReportDownload a copy of the SBA’s 2021 Annual Report.
Join the SBA
Joining the SBA membership is an excellent investment for your business. The SBA represents the interests of MSMEs through advocacy, educational & networking opportunities and strategic alliances in order to promote efficiency, productivity and profitability.
Learn and Lead through our Training & Development.
Every year, the SBA organises training courses for small business persons to better equip them to manage their businesses.
Training can take the form of classroom sessions, technology based training, seminars and clinics.
The SBA regularly offers courses in:
• Basic Accounting
• Marketing for Small Businesses
• QuickBooks (basic to advance)
• Small Business Management
• Supervisory Management
• Maximising Social Media for Small Business
• Strategic Planning For Small Business
• Personal Financial Planning
Competency-Based Training
The SBA facilitates the administration of training for small business owners and managers in the occupational area, Developing a New or Existing Business Enterprise Level 3. This programme forms part of the Competency-Based Training fund cycle of projects and participants attain the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in this area. The NVQ is awarded by the Technical Vocational and Educational Training Council, will enhance the competency of business owners while strengthening the marketability of the firm as the qualification is accepted within the region and internationally. Through this initiative, the SBA aims to build the capacity of its members and enhance their competitiveness for the domestic and export markets.
Training Schedule
Our new training series begins in February 2022.
Limited spaces are available
Articles
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Dr. Biz - "How can I make my business stand out from my competitors?"
It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a deleterious impact on the global economy, resulting in a high increase in unemployment locally. To combat this financial difficulty, many persons have opened their own businesses in an attempt to make ends meet. However, this increase in small businesses has been met with a decline in consumer spending as the depressed state of the economy continues.
Read moreCEO’s Last Words - Put Christ in your Christmas!
As the Christmas season approaches, many are planning the usual painting of the house, baking the ham and preparing the seasonal treats such as black cake, jug-jug and sorrel drink. Given the challenging 22 months we have experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barbadians can definitely benefit from a refreshing season and a time to share with family and friends. Some have even posited that we are experiencing COVID fatigue. What better time for a paradigm shift mentally, than Christmas?
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Members Encouraged to Think Global
Continuing the dialogue on globalisation started during Small Business Week 2021 at the State of the Sector Conference, the SBA held a recent webinar under the theme “Locally Developed Global Reach – A Discussion on Exporting your Business.”
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Exploring Alternative Sources of Finance for MSMEs
The Small Business Association is fully aware that access to financing in the region has been one of the major impediments to growth for small businesses. As a result, the association has lobbied and encouraged policymakers to consider the provision of grants and stimulus support to firms, especially in this COVID-19 environment.
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Small Business Week 2021 Recap
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Despite the challenging socio-economic climate facing the small business sector due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Small Business Association held a week of activities to provide encouragement, insight and invaluable knowledge to small business owners. Minister's Address - Small Business Week 2021
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Featured on SBA TV
SOS! Support Our Small Businesses! | COVID-19 is at Our Doorstep. What are the Implications for Small Businesses? | State Of The Sector Conference - Hon Dwight Sutherland | State Of The Sector Conference 2019 - Dr William Warren Smith | MORE... |
Enterprise In Action Youth Programme
The Enterprise In Action (EIA) Youth Programme is an initiative of the Small Business Association of Barbados (SBA) designed to orient students with the key tenants to facilitate the creation of an entrepreneurship mind-set. The SBA’s objective through this programme, is to assist with the overall national economic and social development of Barbados.
Testimonials
I was drawn to the SBA after visiting their website. I thought what they offered was good for the development of a young business. It is a great place to get assistance and advice to survive as a small business in today’s economy.
Indira Samlal, Antelcom Barbados Limited
Since becoming a member of the SBA in March 2016, I have been able to gain valuable support in the form of business references and affordable classes to assist me in developing my business. I have also been able to give back to them by tutoring one of their classes, which has also been a beneficial experience for me, as I have widened my business scope and have also gained new opportunities as a result of that experience. The staff are always accommodating and friendly, and I do believe they are doing their best to lobby on behalf of small businesses in Barbados. I am a firm believer of getting involved in any organization of which I am a member - as that is the only real way to realize benefits. I am glad I'm a member and will continue to support the SBA in any way that I can.
Dawn Williams, Resilia Accounting Services
I've always found the SBA to be very ambitious and innovative in the programmes that it offers to develop the capacity its members.
David Springer, Future Shock Inc.
