The Small Business Association of Barbados (SBA) is the island's, non-profit representative body for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The organisation was incorporated in March 1982 and officially opened its Secretariat in December 1995.

As the voice of small businesses across the island, the SBA represents its members, and by extension, the MSME sector by undertaking advocacy, education and training, business development and institutional networking actions. The goal of these thematic foci is geared towards creating an enabling environment for Barbadian small businesses to prosper and make a positive impact on national development. 

The guiding principle of the SBA lies in its core philosophy, which holds that working together provides the best opportunities for businesses to grow. The organisation seeks to establish honest, committed relationships in a spirit of aggressive endeavour and mutual support, pooling its resources - skills, time, and finances - to facilitate a more sustainable future for the MSME sector. Over the years, this intrinsic philosophy has seen the SBA reap a reasonable degree of success tackling a number of the challenges confronting MSMEs in Barbados. A few of these include:

• Improved legislative and policy environment for the sector
• Successful lobbying for the provision of micro business financing
• Increased access to equity funding and alternative sources of capital for small and medium enterprises
• Improvement in the business acumen and competencies of many member firms
• Reduced cost for some member firms via a programme of discounts and business-to-business opportunities.

VISION

The SBA's vision is "to be the national organisation of choice for business and entrepreneurial development."

MISSION

The SBA seeks to provide effective representation and exemplary development services to and on behalf of micro, small and medium enterprises, nationally.

SERVICES

The services provided to members and the wider MSME sector include:

• ADVOCACY & LOBBYING – Represent the sector to Government to facilitate an improved regulatory and administrative environment for the MSME sector. Lobby and advocate the wider business community on the behalf of members in the areas of contract negotiations, access to finance, supplier agreements, among other areas.
• TRAINING & EDUCATION – As an approved TVET Council Training Centre, the SBA provides training in various areas for persons to attain the National Vocational Qualification. Other management and computer-related courses are also offered. Additionally, educational seminars are facilitated on current affairs issues and business development topics.
• BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES - A series of capacity building and institutional strengthening projects and programmes, including marketing & promotional activities, technical assistance and sectoral development interventions.
• YOUTH DEVELOPMENT - A Youth Entrepreneurship programme facilitated in secondary schools on the island. The programme titled Enterprise in Action Youth Programme, focuses on preparing fourth and fifth form students with the technical and practical knowledge in business development and entrepreneurship in preparation for the world of work.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the SBA is opened to all legally established businesses meeting any of the following criteria:

• Annual Sales under BDS $8 million.
• Employing fewer than 100 persons.

Contact:

Small Business Association of Barbados
Suite 101 Building 4, Harbour Industrial Estate
Bridgetown, Barbados
Tel: (246) 228-0162
Fax: (246) 228-0613
Email: theoffice@sba.bb
Website: www.sba.bb