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 2018 Annual ReportDownload a copy of the SBA’s 2018 Annual Report.
Small Business Start-Up E-Toolkit
This Small Business Start-Up E-Toolkit is an interactive tool which provides an easy guide on how you can enhance your business idea and establish your business in Barbados.
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
• Microsoft Office
• 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 February 2019. All courses run for six (6) weeks.
Courses
Courses being offered include:
QuickBooks Basic
Start date: February 19th, 2019
Time: 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
QuickBooks Intermediate
Start date: February 20th, 2019
Time: 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
Registration
Course Fee
Members: Starting at $75.00 for basic courses
Non-members: Starting at $125.00 for basic courses
Articles
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SBA Partners with Corporate Leaders to Benefit Members
The Small Business Association (SBA) recently held its Networking Session at the Savannah Beach Hotel. At this highly anticipated event, over one hundred members and guests were given the opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs to build strong corporate networks within the MSME Sector.
Read more
VAT On Online Transactions
In light of Government’s decision to amend the Value Added Tax Act to allow for the 17.5 percent tax to be collected for online transactions from May 1st 2019, the Small Business Association (SBA) held an information session for small business owners to allow for clarity on how the tax would be implemented and who it would affect.
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The Benefits of Using E-Commerce in Business
With the rapid influx of small businesses and entrepreneurs entering the market, it is essential for business owners to maintain a competitive edge in order to preserve their economic resilience as a going concern.
Read more
What’s in it for Me?
The SBA hosted a sensitisation session on the mini-budget, recently presented by the Minister of Finance & Economic Affairs and approved by the Parliament of Barbados.
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Avoid Discrimination in the Workplace
During the last quarter the Small Business Association continued its focused on sensitising members on current affairs issues through several educational fora.
Read more
Reform for Prosperity
The harsh reality of an underperforming economy in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, decreased foreign reserves and the absence of a practical fiscal programme from Government, coalesce to create a challenging environment for doing business in Barbados.
Read more
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Featured on SBA TV
VIII Sagicor Leo Leacock Memorial Lecture - The Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller | VIII Sagicor Leo Leacock Memorial Lecture - SBA CEO, Ms. Lynette Holder | VIII Sagicor Leo Leacock Memorial Lecture - Sponsor's remarks | 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.
