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 2020 Annual ReportDownload a copy of the SBA’s 2020 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 May 2021.
Limited spaces are available
Articles
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Dr. Biz – “Is Your Business Prepared for the Hurricane Season?”
While the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to negatively impact small businesses across the country, it’s important for business owners to be prepared for the Atlantic hurricane season, which by all indications will be very active. Here is a short checklist to help small business owners in their preparations:
Read moreThe CEO’s Last Word – “Do Not Be Moved”
It will be years before we fully understand the full economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the world’s economies, but one thing is painfully clear right now; small businesses across the country are facing an existential threat.
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Students Gain Certification in Food Safety Course
The Small Business Association of Barbados (SBA) recently facilitated a UK Highfield Level 2 Food Safety Course conducted by SBA members, Ms. Kelly Brathwaite and Ms. Pamela Whitehall of Safe Food Essentials. The course was held in November and December 2020 for some of their clients in the food industry who had been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirteen candidates operating in this industry participated in the course including five SBA members.
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Bylaws Revised to Benefit Members
The Small Business Association of Barbados (SBA) recently held a virtual Special General meeting via Zoom, to consider various amendments to the Company’s Bylaws. Vice President of the SBA, Mr. Charles Carter, and the chairman of the Bylaw Review Committee, led the presentation outlining the proposed changes to the membership.
Members engaged in robust and fruitful discussion on the rationale of the proposed changes. The Board underscored the significance of the amendments at this time, which were designed to ensure that the SBA’s governance framework remained relevant and adaptive in this rapidly changing business environment.
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SBA Builds Connections Between Members
The Small Business Association of Barbados recently held an online networking session entitled “Developing Your Business – Completing the Puzzle”. The virtual event provided the opportunity for SBA members to connect with each other through the presentation of several 20 second promotional videos, highlighting the goods and services offered by members.
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SBA Emphasises the Need for Disruptive Innovation
“Change is no longer negotiable in a post-COVID-19 world.” This was the view asserted by advisor in the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology, Dr. Annalee Babb, as she outlined the need for accelerated innovation and digital transformation locally, at the Small Business Association of Barbados’ (SBA) May webinar. The webinar, entitled “Innovation through Digitalisation – Monetising Innovation in the Digital Space” provided attendees with a deeper understanding of innovation and the digital opportunities to be leveraged.
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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.
